 Written by Kendra Petty
Let’s recall that the mandate of Jesus was not actually that we agree with one another, it was actually much more challenging. We are supposed to love each other, which is really, really hard—and pretty much impossible if our lives are not lived together. Our community is suffering. We have a glaring homeless problem in our midst that we aren't addressing. Solving this complex problem begins with listening to each other, removing the blame and shifting the responsibility to all of us. We need to get together in the same room, look at the existing assets of our community and begin to seek a solution. We have people out there living in tents, sleeping in cars, or on couches, moving from house to house and they are wondering if it will ever change. Say what you want about why these people are homeless or what you think the homeless should be doing to move forward, we are never going to agree. That's not the point. Bottom line, the homeless are people. People made by God. Jesus still died for them to save them that they might have life. Their lives matter. Let's agree on that and do our part to make sure they know that in our community, people matter. Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Come on, let's move this town forward together you and I. It won't happen through one agency, organization, or church. It won't happen at all, unless we come together and make it happen. Speak up by contacting your commissioner. Talk to your church leaders. Contact The Refuge and let us know you want to be a part of change in our community. There are solutions. Other communities are far ahead of ours in implementing innovative and effective plans to address homelessness. We CAN do this together. Who is my commissioner? Find out at this link http://lapeercountyweb.org/whois.htm The Refuge contact: www.therefugelapeer.org
Deborah Orr
4/30/2015 04:13:28 am
I totally agree Kendra. That is why I volunteer at 2 ministries. The Refuge because it is hands on and I can get a feel for what the real need is, and because I suddenly found myself homeless a couple of years back and not by my own doing! I thank God that there were people that actually cared about me as a person, didn't judge me and prayed for me and helped me get back on my feet. And I also work at the House of Hope because when we find what the need is we are often able to help.... I wish I had a clone - so I could do more. 3/18/2016 06:42:51 pm
It is so true. A couple years ago I too became homeless. Thus was caused by many reasons least of all was a lack of income. That was one of the worst times in my life. I had one child still at home he was 12 and 16 now. His father was an abuser of all kinds. My health was getting worse. Mental health as well. Just feeding us was a challenge. Having to go to foidbanks is degrading as well. Trying to get utility assistance was like pulling teeth. I lost the home I bought in1992 on $600.00 back taxes. The father person who's name was also on my home refused to help me keep the house. I had to sit down with my son who had already had to step up for me in more than one altercation. We were in Georgia. I was born and raised in Madison Heights. The choice was stay in Ga. Where we didn't fit in (mainly me) I'm the Yankee or take a chance in an old school friend who said he would help us out in Detroit. My son said let's go home mama. When we got to the D well you guessed it that friend bailed on us so into a shelter we went. People are cruel especially when they don't understand your situation. It does take a lot. I have struggled through it. It is odd that you mentioned the Refuge and house of hope. I have so wanted to be involved with the refuge since like October but my main issue here is transportation. I have also been trying to even get to North Branch to get things we still need for this apartment but again transportation. Ladies I would love to be involved in your organizations. I could still use a good bit of "stuff" and "things" here. Look around get to know someone who isn't in the.norm...they/we are people too. Don't look down at us. Many are looking for a hand up not a hand out! https://m.facebook.com/The-Refuge-201021429979780/
Cindy Aaron
3/18/2016 09:58:19 pm
Deborah Orr; Comments are closed.
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Writers:
I'm a mother of two teenagers. Married to my awesome husband of 20 years. I don't work. I volunteer. I am a founding member of The Refuge shelter and involved in inspiring projects in my church, and community. Andrew Terry
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