Homelessness

Helping homeless people

Immediately after my epiphany I had a very strong urge to help the homeless people in our society. Both my wife and I started helping with the provision of meals and groceries for homeless and disadvantaged people. This was something happening through our local church, which we joined at that time.

As a result I met a number of homeless people in the area. All of them were just ordinary human beings who had experienced, or were experiencing, trauma in their lives. A few were quite religious and gained comfort from their belief.

Why this blog?

One homeless man told me that the Holy Spirit had asked him to buy me a religious book. It was an explanation of stories in the bible and was purchased from a second-hand bookstore. He would not accept payment from me, which illustrated his character and belief. He also told me that the Holy Spirit had said that I was a good teacher and that I should start a blog website. That gave me a clear incentive to write these blogs.

This experience changed my life forever and I hope that by reading this it will change yours. Maybe it will make you think twice before you treat those with different experiences in their lives as someone that you should avoid. All too often that is the case when it comes to the homeless.

Homeless people

It’s a shame that we often consider  the homeless to be unkempt dropouts from society. People who we see as failures rather than just unfortunate.beings. They are, however, still members of our society and remember that there is a fine line between success and failure.

Proverbs 14:21 Whoever despises his neighbour is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.

There are many homeless people and there are probably just as many reasons for them being in that condition. It doesn’t really matter why they are homeless, the fact is that they deserve our support. They have one thing in common; they are all experiencing a difficult time in their life.

Imagine not knowing where your next meal will be coming from or how you are going to be safe, dry and warm on a cold night or in rainy weather. Most of us simply ignore them and see them in poor light. Yet there is so much that we can do.

Support for homeless people

I was walking home from the shopping centre one day and noticed a poorly dressed homeless man clutching his Bible and sobbing whilst begging for some assistance. His sign told me that he was homeless and I felt compelled to give him a few dollars to help buy some food.

Psalm 9:9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

You may feel that giving money to them could be a problem. After all, they may be affected by drugs or alcoholism. Donating to a worthwhile cause that provides support services for such people may be a better option.

Phillippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your local city or shire council may provide advice on specific community support services. Also, I am sure that your local church will provide not only spiritual support but also advice on how to assist those facing hardship and homelessness. There are many organisations that provide services for people in need. I am sure that they would welcome any donation, no matter how small.

Deuteronomy 15:10 You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.

But, whatever you do please realise that the homeless are people, just like you and me. Perhaps that’s why we can’t face them and tend to turn a blind eye. At least pass them the time of day, say hello and ask them how they are. Treat them like human beings for that is what they are. 

What can I do?

Remember the following points about the homeless:

• They are human beings, just like you and me.
• They are experiencing difficult times in their lives.
• They need assistance.
• There are many aid organisations that you can contribute to.

If we all do a little it means a lot

Proverbs 21:13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.