Free handouts are not it. Free handouts only justify their choice.
On any, and all encounters, point the victims of homelessness to Jesus Christ. As we did during the 4th of July effort of 2024, and as the 2 restoration organizations mentioned below do, make a relationship with Jesus Christ the cornerstone of your efforts. On the feeding of July 4th, I told those we reached to pray and ask God for more wisdom. But this one-time event is real answer either.
Only Fully Committed Efforts
Only fully committed efforts, restoration organizations like the Pacific Graden Missions in Chicago, IL, https://www.pgm.org/ and the Waterfront Rescue Mission – Waterfront Mission in Mobile, AL, these are the best solution. See more at Homeless Shelters | Find Homeless Shelters | Homeless Shelter Search (homelessshelterdirectory.org). But currently, we just do not have enough of them to meet the great need in our country.
Or the homeless may not be aware of them, and or have trouble making their way to them. Or they are afraid of them.
Jesus said, “The poor you will aways have with you” (Mark 14:7a NKJV), but they do not have be homeless. Heck, I was poor as a kid and teenager, but never homeless.
So, what am I supposed to do?
Immediately, I will be more consistent and increase my support of these restoration organizations through direct monetary donations.
After that, I plan on contacting the local restoration organizations to see how I can start getting the homeless into their centers for a meal, a shower, a night, or other services the homeless person might be interested in. I am thinking of offering the homeless the ride to and return from the center after the meal on Saturdays, the midday lunch meal. The organization(s) may prefer another day, if so, then that day. At a minimum interval of twice per month. Consistency will be key to building the relationship with the homeless. Once a relationship is established through frequent and consistent engagements, the participation level will increase. There are multiple encampments in our area, so multiple transport operations will be required as we attempt to reach them all.
Last of all, if God says the same, in Jesus’s name help to establish more like-minded recovery organizations across my area of the world.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading, send me a reply if you want to help or have suggestions, corrections, or just want to comment.
Love, Your Brother in Jesus Christ,
Brother Michael
Hello All,
After a conversation with a fellow veteran that homelessness has chosen, I changed the title and added to the introductory section.
Brother Michael
I attempted my first Homeless trips, to and from rescue missions today. But, there were no homeless to be seen at the spot I normally see them, Moffet and I-65 in Mobile, AL. Am I just trying to do too much? I need to pray more about this. And I plan to attempt again some time soon.
Love, your brother in Jesus Christ,
Brother Michael