Additionally, many live precariously in our midst when it comes to housing stability.  Not Alone ministries, which we highlighted two weeks ago, companions single mothers, most of whom would be considered in the demographic of middle class; however, many hover right above the poverty line, and slip below it quickly. Not one of the single mothers supported by Not Alone has "moved up" when changing homes. So far, it has always been a "move down" and often into rental homes in unsafe contexts or the homes themselves are unsafe. It does not take much to then "move down" from there. Some of our parishioner friends who were formerly homeless can speak to the grueling  work to stay ahead of rent payments, and one small emergency can land them back in a shelter or in temporary housing. Our parishioners who are homeless bear witness to daily trying to catch their breath, wondering whether today will be a day of grace or a day of despair.

As we’ve acknowledged this week, homelessness  is complex. On Monday, we discussed the “catastrophic loss of family” as the root cause of most homelessness.  But that loss often happens gradually, and the path to becoming an unhoused person is usually winding and indirect – a slow descent into a place that someone never intended to end up.  And both scripture and church history speak to the often more powerful force that is spiritual family over and above biological family. How can we be a more robust family to each other in the fabric of common humanity and catching those who are fragile?

The graphic above of “the housing continuum,” created by the Canadian government, is thought-provoking because it illustrates the wide spectrum that exists between homelessness, housing insecurity, and purchasing a home at market value.  For most people, home ownership remains a major goal of adulthood, but is increasingly out of reach even for those who have grown up with resources. Without the boost of those resources, it becomes a complete impossibility.  This graphic makes clear that there are very many steps between homelessness and market value home ownership.  

The good news is that each of these types of housing represents an opportunity for intervention and a reversal of circumstances – helping someone move to the right, instead of to the left, on the continuum.  We also believe that the power of Christ's love to fill a home, regardless of where it lands on this spectrum, can transform the quality of life under each roof. Even temporary or emergency shelters can be a place of light and life and hope because Jesus followers come near. So we make every effort to be the gospel, share the gospel, and live the gospel in both word and deed. Christ, the light of the world, desires to enter every dwelling – including our own – in fresh ways, and in the lives of those who live vulnerably fragile, longing for comfort and home.