Homeless NO More

Public shelters should be reserved for derelicts committed to a dysfunctional lifestyle not unexpected visitors, people going through unforeseen trials or those serious about coming out of dysfunction.

It is extremely unfortunate most churches of 100 or more members do not to have a house or church facility for hospitality, emergency shelter & dysfunctionals wanting but needing help. Smaller churches not cooperating together indicate selfish shallow conduct. God sees how much energy we expend on our own selves, families & churches versus serving others.

It is difficult for a few shelter staff to influence a few hopefuls in a dysfunctional, even criminal environment. A few hopefuls fair better in a house or church facility supported by numerous Christians. Proverbs 13:²⁰ He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. [1]   

Facilitator burnout is less likely in this setting. 

Often, those with a heart for this kind of ministry will rise to the surface; willing to live on site for room & board, living by faith, with or without a small spending allowance. Alternatively, 93 persons supervising 8 hours/month provides 24/7 oversight. A merge of 1-3 live-ins & a dozen casual helpers is a great combination.

Individuals & groups may visit, providing bible studies, worship, counseling, 12 steps, life skills, outings, or just fellowship, etc.  

TOO SIMPLE … I know a person who started multiple houses on a disability check with minimal outside support.  

A $20-40 contribution by 100 caring persons = $2-4,000; the monthly budget for 1 house (rent/mortgage, utilities, food).

Most houses may become financially self supporting in a short period of time as many may work or are entitled to some type of social services support. However, discretion is important as it is not in the best interest of some to work too soon. Finances should not be too much of a priority ... God will bless the endeavors of those whose help the needy. Help should be conditional upon cooperation not finances.

Surplus revenues can be used to start knew houses. As needs or resources increase or diminish, ministry houses can be started or dismantled with minimal complexity.

To diminish revenue demands influencing ministry decisions during potential financial needy periods, a ROTARY FINANCIAL RELIEF TEAM may be derived from supporters desiring to be contacted on an AS NEEDS bases of say $20-100 per request with an annual cap.

A problem encountered with this kind of ministry is that those who have a heart for it often do not have the resources & those who have the (partial) resources often do not have the heart.      THE 2 NEEDS COME TOGETHER !!!

KJV-R (Webster) Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

KJV-R (Webster) Proverbs 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

KJV-R (Webster) Proverbs 22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

KJV-R (Webster) Proverbs 28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

KJV-R (Webster) Proverbs 29:7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

KJV-R (Webster) Matthew 19:21 Jesus said to him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

KJV-R (Webster) Luke 14:13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:

KJV-R (Webster) Romans 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

A ministry that does not focus on the poor is unlikely a ministry of Jesus!

Godly success is derived by helping others succeed.

Early disciples gave everything & lived communally ... communal ministry is a most productive ministry ... maximizing growth in ALL involved.

Finally, Jesus spoke in Mathew 25: