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Loving the
Earth is loving humankind.
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"Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who are kind to
the needy, honor their Creator" (Proverbs 14:31)
At any given moment, a person may find they lack the necessary resources to
support themselves and their family. Lack of resources may create the undesired
situation in which a person is forced to live at a nearby shelter while they
secure employment, attain medical assistance or psychotherapy, file for
disability, or find affordable housing. The reasons why people find
themselves without a home are plentiful (e.g. debilitating mental or physical
illness, loss of employment, loss of support systems, natural disaster,
alcoholism, and drug addiction).
The homeless and disabled, face the stigma of being labeled degenerate, lazy, or
incompetent human beings void of the desire to work and give back to the
community. This faulty perception is the basis for ostracizing the homeless,
poor, disadvantaged, and disabled; thereby, stripping them of self-worth and
human dignity and leaving them to suffer in silence and isolation.
A physical illness that causes severe depression, schizophrenic type
symptoms, and emotional ups and downs may be misdiagnosed as being a psychiatric
or behavioral disorder rather than a physical disorder. Many poor people who do
not have sufficient medical access, may be overlooked, not taken seriously, or
stereotyped by the medical professionals they are referred to or required to
visit because they lack financial resources. Commonly,
people do not have the knowledge to express their medical situation in a
coherent, comprehensive manner with their doctor. This inability to effectively
express themselves further complicates discovery into the patient's situation.
Determining whether an individuals problem is psychiatric, behavioral, physical,
or a mixture is vital so that these people can receive prompt medical
treatment, receive support through the appropriate channels, regain a
sense of control over their lives, and begin to live again.
As Christians, we must opt to take a stand for these people by welcoming them
into our communities, by giving them assistance or directing them to someone who
can give them assistance, and by helping restore both their self-worth and human
dignity.
Too often we rely solely on the city, county, or state to effectively
provide reasonable solutions to complex problems. Unfortunately, counties
and cities often chose to shuffle the homeless to neighboring counties or cities
as a means of rectifying the "homeless problem". We must change our
perspective if we are to stand for social justice. We must get involved and
encourage city, county, and state officials to support this cause wholeheartedly.
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"If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your
towns within the land that the Lord your God giving you, do not be hard-hearted
or tight-fisted towards your needy neighbor. You should rather open your hand willingly lending
enough to meet the need, whatever it may
be." (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)NRSV
Since
there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I
therefore command you, 'Open your hand to
the poor and needy neighbor in your land'. (Deuteronomy
15:11)NRSV
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If we chose to stand for social justice, we must oppose the
systems and actions that contribute to impoverishment. Furthermore, we must consciously
adopt a lifestyle that takes into consideration a multifarious, interconnected
environment. This lifestyle
should reflect an other-centered attitude (i.e., a desire to please
God, a willingness to give to people who may not be able to respond in
kind, and a disposition towards conservation) rather than an attitude dominated
by self-centeredness, self-gratification, and self-aggrandizement.
How does
the God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods
and sees
a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? (1John 3:17)NRSV
Learn about the homeless population, the causes of homelessness, and how you can
help. The following links provide resources for people who have
been displaced by natural disasters, have lost employment, or have lost housing.
Because
homelessness is often the result of devastating mental or physical
illness, a few websites addressing both mental and physical health issues have been
included.
Homes For Our Troops
Habitat for Humanity
National
Alliance to End Homelessness
US
Department of Health and Human Services
National Resource and Training Center on
Homelessness and Mental Health
Us
Department of Labor
Paralyzed Veterans of America
United
States Department of Veteran Affairs
Veteran Affairs Vocational
Rehabilitation and Employment Program
National Institute of
Mental Health
National Mental Health Information Center
US Department of Health and Human Services:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration
National
Mental Health Association
National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
The Nations Voice on Mental Illness
Americans with Disabilities Act Home Page
Americans with Disabilities Act Watch
American Red Cross
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