It is not my custom to pay much attention to the homeless. I stare straight ahead stopped at a traffic light when someone has a sign “homeless – will work for food.” Don’t get me wrong, I know that homelessness is a huge issue, especially with these troubling economic times. I just don’t think it is a wise practice to give money to homeless people – they could use it for booze, cigarettes or other vices.
I spent a few years on the board of directors of a transitional living facility, so I understand the complexity of homelessness and poverty. I know that I am able to help by making my tax-deductible contributions to the charities of my choice dedicated to helping the poor. When someone in need approaches me I advise them to call 211 (our local social service help line). I have been doing all the right things.
I encountered a woman today outside of my office. She was asking if anyone knew of a place that purchased DVDs. The DVDs she was holding were worthless (titles from a $2 bin at Walmart). A sadness and desperation in her eyes made me probe into her situation. A woman had given her work today doing some cleaning. However, when she was done, she was given DVDs as payment instead of cash. Her boss apologized saying she thought she had cash to pay her, but she didn’t, so she’d have to take the movies instead.
Eight dollars was needed to secure herself the night in a woman’s shelter on the other side of town. Her hope was to sell the movies for $8.00 and bus fare. Before I realized it, I had promised the woman a ride to the shelter and $8.00.
In the car her story unfolded. She moved from another city to take care of her dying mother. After the death of her mother, she was unable to pay the taxes and two mortgages on her mother’s house and was evicted. She had one friend in Milwaukee with whom she stayed for several weeks; however, her friend’s man-friend got out of prison (after serving 15 years) and moved in with them, he began to make passes at her. When she refused his advances she was kicked out, her friend siding with the man.
She was on the street. She was trying to find a place to stay. Having fallen asleep at a bus stop her duffle bag was stolen with everything she owned including her identification. She called the police, but they told her they could do nothing, since she didn’t have a description of who stole her property.
She called 211 and went to a shelter, but because she didn’t have an ID, they wouldn’t let her stay. When she told them her story, they asked for a police report and she didn’t have one.
She was sleeping behind a building when a policeman told her she couldn’t be there and that she should go to a shelter. If he saw her again, he’d take her to jail. Everything has been taken from her, her mother, her home, her clothes, her identification and now her freedom was being threatened.
She explained her plight to the policemen and he called 211 and was able to connect her with the shelter where she didn’t need an ID, but did need $8.00. The shelter is run by a religious group. To stay you pay $8.00 a night. They give you a snack, make you attend a bible study, give you a bed to sleep in, and a shower to use.
I am sure that I have nothing in common with this religious group. I would never force anyone to attend a Bible study and I find it strange that they charge the homeless $8.00. I wouldn’t even know how to describe my theological differences with this group. And yet, they are an answer to this woman’s prayers.
I have been discerning a call to the transitional deaconate in an independent church. I have felt excited about the possibility of being ordained. I have looked at it as an opportunity to work on my preaching and liturgical skills. I have spent some money on great dalmatics and deacon stoles. Having a master’s degree in sacred studies, I understand that the ancient tradition of the church of the role of a deacon to safeguard the Word of God, assist with the ministering of the sacraments, and to serve the poor…
Why was I not spending time and money on service to the poor, instead of fancy robes? Because I trusted in the system, trusted that the homeless could call 211?
I drove the women to the shelter which was only a few blocks from my house, after some trouble convincing the shelter director to let me in before the appropriate arrival time (doors didn’t open for 45-minutes), I gave the shelter director the $25 dollars cash I had in my wallet enough for three nights for my friend. I felt that I did the right thing giving the money to the director herself, insuring that it could not be used for cigarettes and booze.
The homeless woman thanked me, saying, “First I thank God, now I thank you.”
I was feeling pretty good about what I had done. I even thought I should explore more about what it will mean to be a deacon. Then it occurred to me, I gave away my cash. I guess I can’t go to my favorite bar for a cocktail. My $25 won’t be used for cigarettes or booze tonight.
