How do we solve homelessness?

This is a thought-provoking question that funders, nonprofits, government agencies, churches, and several others have wrestled with for many years. Having worked in this sector for two decades myself, my canned response to people when I get asked this query is that “homelessness is a complex problem, with a complex solution.” 

For the sake of argument, if I were to boil it down to one response that goes a long way in answering the question, it would be relationships. That is a key factor in creating workable solutions around homelessness and those experiencing it. Organizations working with those living outside are able to foster trust and speak into people’s lives with weight, words that mean something, not just shallow cliches and redundancies. This is done through the creation of rapport. 

Agencies doing the work on the streets also do themselves a huge favor by getting to know other nonprofits and key players in the community. The relationships built between these organizations allow them curry favor, move quickly when necessary, and support each other when needs arise. The cross pollination of interactions creates something akin to a giant safety net that can catch more people when they fall through the cracks. 

Samaritan Worldview does both of these things. Just like Jesus with the woman at the well in Samaria, he got to know her first before doing his ministry. There was a relationship built that then allowed many more to experience the living water that he offered. Samaritan Worldview strives to build relationships with those on the margins. We speak life, we represent truth, and when the time is right, we show them the way. 

Then there is the story of the Good Samaritan. How was he able to leave the wounded man at the inn? He knew the innkeeper and could be trusted to keep his word that he would return and pay anything owed. In the same way, Samaritan Worldview has developed relationships with many “inns” in the community. Places wounded people can go to receive the help that they need to begin the journey to recovery and wholeness.

Relationships take time, they take energy and effort, but Samaritan Worldview has done and is willing to do the work. One conversation, one encounter, one miracle at a time.

One conversation, one encounter, one miracle at a time.