Spare Change June 2017
Helping the Poor and Homeless
What do we do when we see someone pan handling on the side of the road? Often, it’s at an intersection or at an off ramp. You try to look the other way and not make eye contact, but like any good Christian, there is a pang of guilt that won’t let go. What do you do? Give them money or ignore them? Are these the only two options? Through working with our food pantry, doing inner-city missions, and connections to organizations in the city of Evansville I have some insight that may be able to help you. I believe there are six things you can do to help
someone that is in a desperate situation.
- View them as a person created in the image of God
The first thing we need to do is make sure we are thinking about that individual correctly. They are a person created by God, in the image of God. No matter how dirty or disheveled they might be they are deserving of dignity and respect. We must fight the temptation to think less of them and think more highly of ourselves. The reality is that the greatest need of all of us is not money or food— it is Christ. I am fond of the old saying, “The ground is level at the foot of the cross.” In treating them as an image bearer you need to realize they have a story, if you can safely talk to them, try to understand their story. This will help you to make the decision about whether or not you should help.
- Be familiar with the resources in your city/church
You would be surprised if I told you of all the help that is out there for poor and homeless people if they know where to look. Every year our city has a homeless connect event (www.evansvillehomeless.org) in which agencies and businesses come together to help people in this exact situation. There are several shelters where people can stay, provided they have not been kicked out for breaking rules. There are also several places where people can get a hot meal throughout the day. You need to be familiar with the resources that are in your area. For Evansville go to www.unitedwayswi.org and click on 211, you can search the many local resources that are available. Many people have ended up homeless through a series of bad circumstances and may just need a helping hand. Others have chosen to remain homeless despite the resources available to them.
- Be wary of scammers
The reality is that we do live in a very fallen world and people will use your guilt to take advantage of you. I almost never give money directly to someone unless I have a relationship with them and the only thing that will help is money. We have all seen exposés on fake homeless people raking in the dough from suckers with tender hearts. There are some scammers out there, but there are also some genuine people that really do need help.
- Think creatively about how you can help
Are there other ways to help besides giving money? I know many families that will carry around homeless packs that have nonperishable food and hygiene items. You can find many examples on Pinterest. This is another way to help without offering cash that can be used for drugs or alcohol. You can also volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry. This will help you to think creatively about meeting the needs of homeless people.
- Offer the greatest gift - Prayer
I always try to offer a pray for someone. When Peter and John were confronted with a lame beggar they gave a gift in the name of Jesus- healing. Many people you meet do not need physical healing, but they certainly need healing from their circumstances of life and healing of their heart. The best thing you can do is turn to the Lord and openly pray for them in that moment.
- Let the Holy Spirit be your guide
The Holy Spirit is a great gift to us. He will lead and guide us even in matters like these. I remember my wife, Kristi, telling me that when she was pregnant with our third child she saw a young pregnant woman that was homeless on Green River Road. Her heart broke and she wanted to help. She talked to the lady who really just wanted food. My wife went to Fazoli’s and took her a meal. That was truly a Holy Spirit led moment. Like Kristi, trust the Holy Spirit to guide you. We need to care for the poor and downtrodden, they matter to God and they need to matter to us.