WHAT TO DO WHEN THE HOMELESS APPEAR AT YOUR CHURCH’S DOOR

Poverty-alleviation requires we seek to change a life rather than subsidize a lifestyle. And there needs to be a relationship developed before you can minister. The discernment is between relief and restoration.

Relief is the urgent and temporary emergency aid to reduce immediate suffering. The provider gives assistance, often material, to the receiver, who is largely incapable of helping themselves at the time. The Good Samaritan’s bandaging of the helpless man who lay bleeding along the roadside is an excellent example of relief applied appropriately.

Restoration begins as soon as the bleeding stops; it seeks to restore people to wholeness and self-sufficiency. The key feature is the dynamic of working with the victim as they participate in their own recovery. It moves both “helpers” and the “helped” closer to being in right relationship with God, with self, and with others. Restoration is not done to people or for people but with people – it promotes an empowering process to become more of what God created them to be.

Many of the people coming to your church for help will state that they are in crisis, needing emergency financial help for utility bills, rent, food, or transportation. Is relief the appropriate intervention? Maybe, but maybe not. If you fail to provide immediate help, will there really be serious, negative consequences? If not, then relief is not the appropriate intervention, for there is time for the person to take actions on their own behalf. Also the person may be obtaining “emergency” assistance from one church or organization after another. Or an “emergency” effort might just prolong the enviable – payment on a month’s mortgage may just delay the foreclosure if other action is not taken.

In reality, there is only a small percentage of the homeless in our community that require relief. It is helpful for your church to have a set of benevolence policies in place to guide decision-making. Download and distribute the STREET CARD below but the most important action is work in cooperation with Harford County Department of Social Services Homeless Program where benefits can be accessed and monitored.

Important Steps to Obtaining Assistance Sooner

1. Have a valid state or military ID, your state issued birth certificate, & social security card to obtain ID. Carry your ID with you and keep your social security card & birth certificate in a secure location.
2. Apply for food, shelter, & financial assistance immediately – call DSS Homeless Program at 410-836-4945 for assistance in applying for benefits.
3. Apply for health insurance & prescription assistance ASAP. There is insurance for low or no income individuals and families available. Call DSS Medicaid Medical Assistance at 410-836-4945.

Don’t be afraid to ask!

Harford County Resource Guide
www.harfordcountymd.gov/services/guide.cfm

Download Your Street Card
Street Card.pdf