Indifference – the poison that slowly kills

Indifference – the poison that slowly kills.

“You know all those agencies like the Springs Rescue Mission or Salvation Army are really for profit institutions masquerading as nonprofits just so they can get away with more.” Or how about this one: “Do you know how much money the homeless make on the streets? They probably all have hotel rooms or even apartments.” And don’t forget, “The real problem is places like the Mission or Salvation Army, they just enable the homeless to stay on the streets. If those places did not exist then the homeless would be forced to get a job and join society.“

My wife and I were on a date less than a week ago and these are the quotes that I heard from the table behind me. It was all I could do from turning around and joining in their conversation. After all, I think I could have “gently” brought them to a better understanding of the current state of poverty in the Pikes Peak region, or even “gently” let them know that the real contributor to the problem of poverty today is their own indifference. However, my wife did the right thing and reminded me that we were on a date and this time was ours, not for me to pick a fight. (Not that I did not want to.)

The more I think about these kinds of statements, the more I actually start to pity the individuals who think these kinds of thoughts.

To me, these statements are actually a strong indicator of the way one interacts with society. The reason I pity those individuals is because they are nervous and intimidated by the current state of poverty. In order to cope and distance themselves from the issue, they begin to put the blame for the issue on somebody else rather than getting involved.

Of course you wouldn’t have to do anything about it, if in fact the service agencies are the problem. After all, why should I bother to get my hands dirty and volunteer, donate or even develop a relationship with the homeless if it is those acts that are perpetuating the problem.

What perpetuates the condition of poverty and almost guarantees that individuals remain in the shackles of generational poverty is a lack of healthy relationships.

Interaction, the very thing that most of society is afraid of when it comes to working with the homeless, is the very thing that is needed.

I am Homeless

Recently, I had a great discussion with a homeless man named David. We talked about Thanksgiving and turkey. He even asked me to take his picture and put it onto Facebook. He mentioned that if I can find his account I should tag him. You can imagine my surprise in the fact that not only does he know about Facebook but also about tagging photos on Facebook.

One of the more difficult things for people to realize when they start working with the homeless is the fact that they don’t need you like you think they need you. The homeless are a very resilient, adaptive, and hardy group of people. They have learned to survive in conditions that you and I could not even imagine; even more they have been doing this for years. They know how to function in society and at times contribute to the community at large.

The fact that David had a Facebook account is indicative that he has access to a computer and at one time learned how to use it.

“I am homeless,” is a badge worn with pride for some. At times, it even becomes an identity. To be able to survive in these conditions is a learned skill and a lifestyle. Most individuals who try to get involved with the homeless don’t realize that they are not dealing with a helpless people that live by your leave; rather they are interfacing with an entirely new culture.

The homeless have their own language, rules, and communities. And therein lies the problem.

If an individual is self-sufficient on the street and takes pride in this fact, then why would they work to try and better themselves? Today I was walking across the Mission parking lot and saw David again. He was wearing the same reggae hat and green coat as the last time I talked with him. I said, “Hey David, it’s good to see you again!”

He looked at me and with a stern voice replied, “Let me be clear, I don’t need to be here.” David was letting me know that he was independent and could get along just fine without the help of the Mission.

David is the exception. He is articulate and knows how to read. However, the majority of the chronic homeless population suffers form mental instability, can’t read or write, and/or is disabled. Yet with all these inequities, they are still happy to have the identity of “Homeless.”

I am always amazed when I see the frontline workers, because they are dealing with an entirely different culture, and yet they are making a difference. The homeless culture is one culture that needs to be transformed.

Practice Random acts of Kindness

“Practice Random acts of Kindness.” It makes a great bumper sticker. I am sure that those who put the familiar slogan on their car feel better just knowing that proclaiming the good intentions of a well-stated idea is doing something to better the common good of humanity.

 

Perhaps I am being a little sarcastic. However, to illustrate my point I ask the question, “How many times have you come to awareness about a situation that someone is going though and say the all to familiar words? Big example: “I will pray for you,” knowing that the reality of that happening is dim. Yet you feel better for saying it and you know the other person feels better for hearing it. If we all feel better then good because feeling better is the point, right?

 

I wish I could make a bumper sticker that said “Feed the Homeless” and just the act of driving around town would fill the bellies of the hungry. “Save the Rainforest” slapped to the back of my emission-generating car has contributed to thousands of acres of saved land–I just know it.

 

Combating social injustice is a wonderful and romantic idea, yet those who are actually doing the work are usually surprised on how few individuals actually show up when it’s time to make a difference. It is easy to talk about, but not necessarily easy to start, doing.

 

It is one thing to talk about making a difference, and it is a good thing to begin to start wanting to make a difference, but don’t let it stop there. With the current economic climate the stakes are too high to just want to get involved.

 

Please consider joining us at the Mission sometime. I think you will be surprised how easy making a difference can be.

Celebrate the Small Stuff

Burnout is a condition that at times claims the joy, zeal, and passion of many care providers.

In an environment that is constantly faced with the parts of humanity that most people choose to ignore: homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse,and intoxication. It can be easy for individuals at the Mission to get overwhelmed with the inequities of this world and ultimately burnout.

There is no greater potential for this to take place than one of our frontline ministries. The “Resource Advocacy Program” (RAP) is where the forgotten and invisible people of our community find care, services, and love. Upon one glimpse of this environment one would think that the staff and personnel needs to be thick-skinned and detached as to not succumb to the trials of the individuals they provide care for. Yet if you were to come to the Mission and get to know the individuals serving in RAP you would see passion, compassion, and a desire to serve the forgotten members of our community. Conversely the RAP staff is cunning and wise: they know when to put applicable boundaries with stern love.

Upon watching the RAP team at work you have to ask the question, “Why are these individuals so alive and happy about life?” They see the worst humanity has to offer on a hourly basis, yet they keep serving and keep loving.

But as you observe the team, you notice a skill that once graced our culture, yet recently has been sacrificed by the “need” for efficiency and progress. The skill is knowing how to celebrate the small stuff.

If a RAP counselor were to wait for an individual that they are working with to find complete sobriety, get off the streets, and reconcile the relationships with their family. That counselor would have very little to look forward too. Consider the average case load of the RAP counselor is rising do to an increase in poverty and homelessness in our region, and you can imagine that one would need to learn what it means to celebrate the small stuff. If a client relapses and falls out of rehab yet they come back to you for help once again you could easily see that your work may not have much of an effect. However, you could look at the situation and celebrate the fact that they indeed came back even though you have to start over with them they still came back.

How many times in life have we been frustrated and defeated when we did not have to be because we chose not to celebrate the small stuff?

A Little at a Time adds up

One can, two can, and three can, more.

What’s the power of a can? a can of Beans, a can of corn. You can get a can at retail for less than a buck. But what “is” the value of the one can or more?

Simply put the said value of a can is only valuable to the one who is no longer hungry having benefitted from the contents of the can. With one third of all children in El Paso county eligible for free or reduced lunch programs at their local school meaning the financial conditions at home are no longer adequate for sustainable nutrition. Perhaps a can has more value than you thought?

Another question to ask is what is the value of a Can? Not a container of food rather an “I can” at the mission we have the opportunity to witness men understanding that they “can” live life free of addiction. We witness the cascading effect of a individual who understands that they “can” volunteer their time. Or how many family’s find a roof over their head because someone realized they “can” find room in their budget for monetary support.

What is the value of a can? To be entirely honest it is priceless, how many people “can” be released form their addictions, poverty, or homelessness because someday we realize that we “can” make a difference. How many people will find hope, healing, and health when you understand that you “can” help.

A little at a time adds up! It has been said that only a spark can generate the largest of forest fires. Be encouraged to get involved. I assure you people “can” receive help today the only value missing is you!