Show the love.
In our February support letter, I wrote about my interactions with my homeless friends at Portland Rescue Mission. In the past it has been too easy for me to look past the homeless person on the corner. It is uncomfortable to face such great need when it feels impossible to help. Now I am daily reminded that while their humanity may be covered by dirt, smells or facial hair, the image of God is still beautifully present when I take the time to look.I know that many people care, but it is difficult (and intimidating) to know how to respond when asked for money on a freeway off-ramp or street corner. As a first step, I recommend that you prepare ahead to engage with homeless people in your community. Here are a few things that are easy to plan:
- Always look them in the eye, smile and greet them. This acknowledges their worth as a fellow human created by God.
- Find out what makes them unique- where are they from? What are their hobbies and interests? Do they have a spouse or children? Share some of your story too.
- Be prepared to assist them by knowing about the resources for the homeless in your community. A short phone call to a shelter can give you information about where meals, clothing and beds are offered around the city. Make a handout of local resources to pass out to people who ask for assistance. Carry bottled water, rolls of toilet paper and energy bars to hand out from your car.
And to really rock your world, give your time to volunteer with organizations that care for the homeless. Seek out these hurting people. Giving yourself in relationship powerfully demonstrates the love of God to hurting people, and it might just change your life too.
posted by Erin @ 8:53 PM
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