We all need shelter, food, and clothing. Have you studied The Rose City Resources, the center insert in Street Roots? Look at the entries under the headings of Clothing, Meals, and Food Boxes. Most of the locations listed are connected with a church or some other faith-based organization. Those groups go about their work quietly, usually with no fanfare, providing as much help as they can. They all wish they could do more. But they all operate with limited donations, staffed by volunteers. It is a labor of love, not a job.
An urban church should not be isolated or insulated from the people and the streets around it. Many of the downtown churches and some churches in other parts of the city understand what it means to put their faith to work in an urban setting.
I am talking about faith based on spirituality, not any specific religion or denomination. All the traditional religions emphasize our need to recognize and support our brothers and sisters, especially those whose needs are greatest. But the people who actually work to develop relationships outside their normal, comfortable circle of family and friends are going beyond religion. They are putting their faith to work.
The cost of these social programs is borne by the churches and the individual donors and volunteers. The services they provide, at no cost to the city or its residents, would cost a great deal if they were purchased. Yet the worth is not calculated or reported anywhere. The benefits of these programs are significant. These are places to get food, these are places to get clothing, and these are places to find friendship and acceptance.
The best of these places are open to all people, as long as they demonstrate concern for the dignity of others. The best of these places provide services with no strings attached. Everyone is welcomed and celebrated for who they are. As a volunteer in one of these places said, "Clothing or food is not enough. That's all wonderful. But it isn't enough. I am totally convinced it's the human connection that makes the difference." As Tom Allen wrote in the June 2006 issue of Presence said, "Experience tells me that persons in need can smell someone a mile away that is there to ‘help them.’ They will either resent such a motivation as condescending, or they will use such a person to get what they want. But real transformation happens in mutuality." The human connection. The connection that happens when people put their faith to work.
There are so many needs, so many things to do. Government agencies and social-service agencies provide many services, but clients sometimes just become numbers. The fact they are called clients can itself be an obstacle. These agencies have budgets and paid staff, and must show statistics and outcomes. But money alone, even if there were enough, wouldn't solve all the problems of homelessness. Isolation, even when a person is housed, is still a major problem. We all need human connections.
As one volunteer said, "My favorite part is getting to know the people and joke with them. It is rewarding to be part of what goes on. I find it very satisfying to give support and encouragement to friends here, and receive encouragement and support in return. Many volunteers find their work here to be some of the best times of their week."
Anyone can participate. It only takes a few hours a week. If you want to become personally involved and connect with people, volunteer with one of the organizations that put their urban faith to work every day. Find a group that depends on volunteers. Expand your life. Discover the joy of sharing time and experiences with a different circle of friends. Everyone will be richer for it.
