The previous article pointed out that homelessness is a complex issue that can be viewed through various and extremely different lenses. It can be viewed through a lens of charity. The traditional soup kitchen could be considered an act of charity. Homelessness could be viewed through the lens of financial cost to society. What does it cost society in lost potential, in health and hospital costs, police and social service involvement? It can be viewed through political outlook. Does my political base view homeless people as failures in the capitalistic system? Homelessness can be viewed through a lens of safety and pragmatism? My neighborhood isn’t as safe and the park isn’t safe for my kids. And homelessness can be viewed through a lens of Catholic Social Teaching: Each person (every homeless one that annoys me) is made in God’s image and is equal in dignity.
The USCCB has the following statement about homelessness:
The Catholic bishops believe decent, safe, and affordable housing is a human right. Catholic teaching supports the right to private property, but recognizes that communities and the government have an obligation to ensure the housing needs of all are met, especially poor and vulnerable people and their families. In a time of rising homelessness and when many workers’ wages are stagnant and living expenses are rising, it is important to ensure housing security.
The more we learn, the more capable we are of responding to needs, advocating for change where needed, voting our beliefs and focusing our actions and our prayers. May the Holy Spirit enkindle in us a desire to use our resources and talents to understand, care for and learn from homeless people in the various circumstances in which they find themselves!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMjTKbUTaMs – A 15 minute video from CNBC looking at “Housing First,” an initiative adopted by then President George Bush, drastically reduced by the President Donald Trump (“housing fourth”) and now reaffirmed by President Joe Biden. This initiative advocates that housing is a right and that should not be dependent on addiction or work status or stability. Housing should come first.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness website has statistics and explanations.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has a webpage devoted to homelessness, affordable housing and the Church’s advocacy for homeless people.
