There are so many good take a ways from this article.
The videos are great as well.
Let this article serve as a means to generate ideas of things you can give to the homeless this winter.
I am more than happy to receive items for the homeless at the church Mon-Thursday 9-5 pm.
3121 Moss Side Ave Richmond, Va 23222
Russell Brand had some interesting things to say about how our society is treating the homeless.
Some things like the internet we take for granted.
Have you ever considered what it means to someone who is homeless?
It's a great tool to communicate with family, look for jobs, find resources.
I know there are a lot of misconceptions out there.
I used to wonder how does a homeless person have a phone?
How can they afford one?
Now a days that can't afford to be without.
If they own one it usually becomes a priority to keep it paid up.
Things like smartphones, tablets, and laptops can be life lines.
They are a means to communicate.
I even know a guy who writes a blog on a regular basis.
http://thehomelessguy.blogspot.com
I never imagined texting my homeless friends.
What would you do without your smartphone or the internet?
The same answer you came up with is true for the homeless.
Times have changed and we need to educate ourselves.
http://www.geekwire.com/2014/heres-homeless-people-think-internet-access-seattles-tent-cities/
One of the challenges I think about quite often is job creation.
What are some unique opportunities to create jobs for those in need?
I have seen a number of great examples of jobs for the homeless.
Here is one example.
http://6abc.com/food/philly-nuns-cranberry-sauce-creating-jobs-for-homeless/411065/
I would love to see more.
Do you have any ideas?
Though it may appear to be a good thing to give out bus tickets to unite the homeless with friends and family, it's not a long term solution.
There are no quick fixes!
It will take hard work and commitment to solve homelessness.
Free bus tickets might look good in the news, but it doesn't address the problem head on.
It's easy not to think about them. They are not on the street corners flying the signs. They are hidden from plain view in the shadows. They are the homeless students struggling to make it.
This does not help! This only exacerbates the perception that being homeless means you are less than human. Some people just want to sweep the problem under the carpet.
Police charge 90-year-old man, 2 pastors with feeding homeless
There is a true need to provide affordable transportation for people who need jobs.
I love the teacher's heart. I can see it through what is said and done!
LA is moving in the right direction with this complex.
Innovative apartment complex for homeless people opens on skid row - LA Times
It's a good thing when organizations can come together for the greater good.
I believe the different churches in our community can do the same to end chronic homelessness.
Encouraging signs that we are looking at the numbers more closely.
The fact that HUD and the department of Education were so far off from one another speaks to the challenges the homeless face.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5620873
There is always hope if your willing to walk along side the one in need.
We need to encourage and give hope to others.
Lives will be changed if we are willing to walk alongside someone.
Even the most harsh circumstances can be changed through God's love.
This story happens more than you know.
My friend Charles is working through the exact same circumstances with another individual as I write this.
This happens all around us, but we don't see it.
I used to never know of such because I was blind to it.
I never sought to help another person in need.
If we will focus on just ONE person we can change the world.
One person at a time.
Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and change the world?
Give hope and encouragement to just one!
http://m.timesdispatch.com/news/local/city-of-richmond/homeless-teens-share-their-unique-challenges/article_498e7ce5-c0b5-5510-b89b-7941192a2c57.html?mode=jqm
When are we going to wake up and take the steps to be fiscally responsible not to mention a people who care!
'Stunning' Data Proves, Yet Again, Housing The Homeless Would Actually Save Taxpayers Big Time
Unfortunately this situation is playing out in many cities through out the country.
There are many positive points on both sides of the argument.
I have seen that we are under resourced in the Richmond area.
I have also seen that there are not enough coordinated efforts between the small non profits and the service providers.
The city could save a lot of money and get people in homes if they would take a stand for what is right.
There are no simple answers, but we need to have open dialogue and not let competition or funding get in the way of the bigger picture.
Ending Homelessness!
I am so proud of my Church!
I am thousands of miles away and wish I could be a part of what will happen in just over a week's time.
Just yesterday I received an email asking if we could help with the local homeless shelter.
They needed a church at the last minute to host 30-40 women who are in transition for a week.
I was at a loss since I am halfway across the world.
In my absence my Church has stepped up to help the homeless.
I have dreamed of this day coming, but assumed I would be there to participate.
God always seems to surprise me.
To see the Church step up in this way is a beautiful thing.
It represents the Church at its best, helping the "the least of these".
I pray that the Church will love on these women in a way that they will know they are loved by God!
Thank you Atlee Community Church for being the Church!
The Church is truly the hope of the world!
