Last night, Matt and I were sitting in our warm, dry, three-bedroom home with indoor plumbing discussing how we need a bigger house.
Excuse me while I tell myself to shut-up.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness: “On a single night in January 2014, 578,424 people were experiencing homelessness — meaning they were sleeping outside or in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program.”
More than 500,000 people in the United States are homeless. And that is just a quick glance at our country.
An organization known as HOMELESS WORLD CUP reports: “The last time a global survey was attempted – by the United Nations in 2005 – an estimated 100 million people were homeless worldwide and as many as 1 billion people lacked adequate housing.”
When I first started thinking about writing about this Work of Mercy, I began to think about all the different reasons why a person or family might be homeless. I decided to make this post less about words of inspiration, and more about a call to action. Below are categories of reasons I thought of when I asked myself, “Why are people homeless?”. I ask you to look inside your heart and determine who you feel most compelled to help. Once you discover who most needs you, follow your heart and give a hand.
Why are people homeless?
They are battling addiction – The following organizations help those battling addiction by not only providing shelter, but also assisting with recovery.
- Bethesda Mission is in the Harrisburg, PA area and offers help to men, women and youth.
- Libertae is in a suburb of Philadelphia, PA and helps recovering women reclaim their lives
- The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami, Inc. offers recovering programs and rapid re-housing.
They live in extreme poverty – The following organizations will build houses for those who are completely homeless.
They are escaping domestic abuse
- Project Home – escaping domestic abuse is just one reason Project Home will help “shelter the homeless”. No matter what the reason is, Project Home works to end homelessness and alleviate underlying causes of poverty.
- New House is located in Kansas City, MO and provides immediate and long-term help to women in need. Their website lists immediate needs that include old cell phones, chapstick and hair ties. This is a great way to help if you only have a little to give!
Who cares why, I just want to help!
- Back on My Feet combats homelessness through the power of running, community support, and essential employment and housing resources. As someone who experienced how much running builds confidence and empowers character, I love this organization and signed up for the BOMF 5 Mile Run this morning!
- Catholic Charities – most cities in the U.S. have a Catholic Charities. This link will take you to the Catholic Charities of Denver website. The Archdiocese of Denver has at least four homeless shelters.
Is there an organization that helps the homeless you can recommend volunteering with or could use a donation? Please let us know in the comments!
Our family was homeless this past summer for about 6 weeks. There are so many reasons this happens…right here in America. For our family it stemmed from my husband having a difficult year of health and not being able to work. I thankfully ended up well for us, but it was all God’s amazing grace, love and care. It certainly stretched our faith.
Instead of judging I have chosen to always give something. We NEVER know the whole story. Even if we think we do.
Wow Brianna, thank you for sharing! I’m sorry you went through that and glad to hear that is over. I hope my article didn’t sound judgmental – I didn’t mean that at all! Thank you so much again for sharing.
I love that not only do you share your convictions as you process the difference between what the world tells us (we need a bigger house) and what God tells us we need (to feed the homeless). I’m not in the same area as you, but our small group at church helps provide meals for a homeless shelter once a month.
That is awesome – every little bit helps! Thank you for sharing and your kind words!
What a great post, so informative! I think this is a great cause to share and help with!
Thanks Britt! Please do share 🙂
Thanks for shedding light on the subject. As a school counselor, we help families who are homeless with a variety of resources. It has shed some light on poverty and opened my eyes in a different way. I realized that I had some judgement preconceived notions about poverty. Great post!
Thanks Diedre! I can imagine your eyes have been opened to so much. If there is an organization that you feel is really helpful – please share and I will spread the word about them!
Really inspiring post, Amy! This really puts things into perspective, and is a great read, especially for the start of Lent!
Thank you Marissa! Let’s seriously plan to get together – maybe find a place in between you and I?