A vision is a seeing of the future, powerful enough to help create that future. Envision what could be with me that we might re-create what is.

I see a city that would welcome the homeless as neighbors and equal citizens

I see a city that would create space for everyone to live, without harassment, without fear.

I see a time when parents would no longer use the poor as a warning against laziness, but use their teaching time to spread compassion.

I see green spaces where the poor may sleep and the housed move freely among them, without fear, without anger.

I see a place where those who cannot be hired can work and be paid in a balance between their ability an their liability.

I see a time when no one is measured by the size of their paycheck, or the value they give an employer, but by the beauty they create and the depth of compassion they show.

I see a county that places people before property, that puts need before power, equality before class prejudice.

I envision a place that will first ask, “what do you need?” before, “This is what we will do.” An elected body who has lived with the poorest so that they might truly represent all the citizens and not just a select group.

I envision a law enforcement that stirs respect and not fear. Officers who will only respond to crimes, not whines concerning people they refuse to understand.

I see a city where the highways are used to bring food to the hungry, warmth for the cold, shelter for the wet, bathrooms and showers for those who lack hygiene. I see a government who will freely provide this, because their citizens are in need, and for no other reason.

I speak into being a community that loves, that provides, that does not hold to an arbitrary distinction of “deserving” and “undeserving” but is generous because they want to be known to the world as a place of giving and grace.

You have a work history, but something went terribly wrong. Perhaps it’s nothing physical, but you are no longer able to function. You do all you can to fix it, but you end up on the street anyway. You hear from someone to apply for disability. You apply. You are denied.

Then someone tells you that everyone is denied disability at first, so you appeal. You get a lawyer– if they take your case it’s likely you will win your appeal. They put you through a psych evaluation, they gather up witnesses, the look at your work history. After three years, you get your day in court.

I note that there are many, many people who fear the homeless. This is because they don’t recognize that the homeless are their neighbors. Sure, we have some irritating neighbors, even bad ones, but as long as we are polite to our neighbors, they will be polite to us. If we are kind to them, they will be kind to us. Here’s some ideas to be a neighbor to the homeless:

• If you see a new homeless person in your neighborhood, offer them a cup of coffee
• Ask them how they are doing each time you see them
• Talk about neighborhood issues—traffic, local news, new buildings, etc.
• If they look unhappy, ask them why
• If you have an issue with them (trash, perhaps), go and talk to them. Don’t force the police to mediate for you.
• Once you get to know them, and are comfortable, invite them to dinner. It’s fun!
• If they offer you food or help, please take it. It gives them respect, and you might very well need the help.

When I am exhausted and I cannot endure

a moment’s more compassion,

a moment’s more mercy,

a moment’s more sacrifice,

somehow,

I find a moment more.

That must come from God,

for I have often come to the end of myself.

Only God is found

where there is nothing left.

Marcine grew up abused by her father. She left home early, got a job and worked hard. Someone had lied about her and so she lost that job. The stress of her life was too overwhelming, so she sat in her apartment, unable to seek another job. “They won’t hire me because I was fired from my last job.” Soon she was evicted. She wouldn’t go home to her father, so she was homeless.

She went to a local church and obtained a tent, a sleeping bag and a tarp. A homeless man showed her a safe place to stay. She didn’t feel safe, so she got a boyfriend who would protect her. After a while, when his trauma showed through, he would beat her. She left him with her tent and sleeping bag, leaving her only with a blanket.