Dear Friends,
One of the things that has frustrated me the most throughout my mission ministry career is the misconception of who people experiencing homelessness are.
Too many times, I have had people tell me that those experiencing homelessness are lazy, they don’t want to work, they are choosing this way of life, they are all addicted.
While it is true that a very small minority of people fall into these categories, most do not. In fact, our Chief Program Officer, Tracy, shared with me that around 50 percent of those we serve have jobs.
“Around 50 percent of those we serve have jobs.”
Tracy shared a story about a single mom in the Bridge program at The Crossing. She has a toddler. She has two jobs and she is working on a workforce certification that would allow her to get a job that better provides for her family. The problem is that she does not make enough money to afford housing. She is not lazy. She is not addicted, and she certainly has not chosen to be homeless.
In this newsletter you will read a story about another mom we are helping. These stories are countless and sometimes tragic. But they are also hopeful and hope filled. Most of the people we serve are resilient, they persevere, they love their family, and they will do anything for a better life. Many also have a faith that is deep, and so many have hearts filled with gratitude. So, what do we do with this?
As I hear about and read these stories, I become convicted. In the story you will read, Kat spends three hours each day commuting back and forth for work. That is commitment. That is work ethic. I take for granted that I have a car to drive every day. I have a job that pays me enough to afford housing. I have money to put food on the table. Yet so many do not.
Jesus said that to whom much is given much will be required. I, and perhaps you, have been given so much. Throughout scripture God commands us to help those in poverty. I am so grateful that for 134 years DRM has done exactly that. We could not have done this work, and we cannot continue this work without your prayers and financial support.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Thank you for considering a financial gift. Thank you for seeing those who we serve for who they really are. Not lazy or unacceptable but rather as human beings made in the image of God. The God who loves them and has plans for them. Human beings who God gives us the opportunity to help and bless so they can be a blessing to others.
Grace and peace,
Dennis Van Kampen
President/CEO
This post is part of August’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing Kat’s story highlighting the difficult reality that having a full-time job doesn’t automatically mean being able to afford a home in: The Hidden Reality of Working Families
