Homelessness is not Hopelessness

Being homeless doesn’t mean I’m a bad person or a second – or even third – class citizen. Although many here at the Mission have chosen the wrong path in life and let alcohol or drugs take over their willpower, an unfortunate series of events have brought men and women here. I used to sit outside Chapel waiting to go in at night and watch as people drove by and stared at us. All those people in shiny new cars going by did not even realize that they are a paycheck away from homelessness themselves. I watched as parents dropped their son or daughter off thinking he or she needed to be taught a lesson in humility and responsibility when the parents could easily end up here too.

Take for example my roommates. The 3 women I share a dorm room with are all exceptionally bright, outgoing women who have all faced adversity of one kind or another head on and didn’t back down. They are courageous in their individual battles against homelessness but I know will be behind me in my struggle just as they know I am there for them. Black Martha, Blackie and Big Mama are the nicknames they were given here in our room upon their arrivals and will always be.

2 of our 4 will be departing soon to move on in their lives and grow further into happy fulfilled women. Many think that homelessness is a permanent solution to irresponsibility and addiction. In most cases there is no other option but to come to the Mission for help and guidance.

As we journey through life there is and always will be joyous times and tumultuous times.

God is there for each and every one of them…even if you’re homeless. Homelessness is not hopelessness.

Lamentations 3:25, 26 (NKJV), “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

Revelation 22:21 (NKJV), “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

- Sue, "Eyes Without A Home"