Imagine being homeless. Maybe you have a long-term disability that's left you homeless for years, maybe through a string of unexpected events--job loss, failed relationship, death--you've just found yourself without a stable place to call home.  No matter what the circumstances, the flood of emotions that accompanies the realization that you are, in fact, "homeless" has got to be the same: HOPELESS, alone, scared, angry, desperate...  Could anything relieve those feelings, even just for a few minutes?

After attending a mission trip to Chicago many years ago in which we served the homeless population, I came to the realization that it doesn't take much to result in homelessness. One clean-cut man in business attire had recently split from his wife and lost his job at the same time: homeless. A woman's low-life boyfriend kicked her out of their apartment; she didn't know anyone else in town: homeless. Another man had bipolar disorder and wasn't able to hold down a job: homeless. So, when you think about it, it wouldn't take much for any one of us to end up in the same situation.  How many steps away from homelessness are you?

The homeless ministry at Catalyst has begun going out in downtown Greensboro on a weekly basis, handing out ski-caps and other warm clothing, but the goal is not to give them clothes.  The goal is to establish real, meaningful relationships with these folks. So, it's not a one-time deal. Our people learn their names and stories, they go back to the same locations to check on the same people and bring them specific items they need (tents, children's clothing, food), and they pray with these people.  Not for (as in, "Sure, I'll pray for you...when I get home") but with (as in, one of our ladies brought her two little girls and the three of them stood on the corner of Battleground Ave. with two homeless women and prayed with them!).

So, can anything we do really relieve any of those feelings of hopelessness, lonliness, etc.?  Well, while being a bit warmer on the cold January nights probably is nice, I'm not naive enough to think that really makes much of a difference on their outlook on life.  However, I do absolutely belive that authentic RELATIONSHIPS with people who care will make a dramatic difference in the lives of a few homeless people in our town.  We've seen evidence already--one lady asked for prayer for her son who may have cancer, one lady was able to give her grandchild a Christmas gift--something she said was the greatest thing she could ask for, one lady has asked for a ride to church.  

It's not the ski-cap, or the food, or the tent that gives people hope. It's the fact that someone cares & that someone is "rooting" for them.