The Changing Face of Homelessness

I was going to do a blog about how to talk to the homeless, but found myself simply wanting to type: You talk to a homeless person just like you talk to your neighbor or friend. You start with LOOKING at them and saying, "hello." However, I know that many people are intimidated by the homeless and usually are tapping their steering wheel hoping the light will turn green so they don't have to feel awkward as the homeless guy with the sign sits and stares. Or maybe you cross the street to avoid having to walk by a man or woman with a change cup. I wonder if its really that people are afraid or more afraid of feeling guilty if they don't do something. Maybe you simply don't know what to say or will be afraid you don't know how to help them. Or maybe you are the person who thinks..."They probably just want money for drugs or alcohol, they just need to get up and get a job."  The fact is...you may be right about that for some people, but the problem is when we assume its all people.  Homeless has become a label that is associated with LOTS of assumptions.

I saw this video on a friends Facebook page and it gripped my heart. It's about 13 minutes long but I think you will find it very insightful. I personally ask you to take the time to watch it and pass it on. It's about the changing face of homelessness in our country and especially how it influences kids and families.

Click Here to Watch Video 

There are many Americans, maybe even you, who could be one or two paychecks away from not being able to keep your house or car. What if you had an injury and didn't have insurance? What if you lost your job and didn't have another one right away? What if you didn't have a family to depend on? The truth is, any of us could find ourselves in that situation.

Let's look at the definition of homeless: having no home or permanent place of residence. Homeless doesn't mean that you live under a bridge. You can have a roof over your head and still be considered homeless. There are thousands of people who are sleeping on the floor of a friend or families home and are still considered homeless. There are families where the mom and dad are working, but its not enough to pay the bills. They are having to live in a temporary hotel room or in their car...hardworking, honest individuals who can't seem to make ends meet. They are considered homeless.

One thing I have discovered in my time working with homeless individuals  is that each person has a story, but rarely do people stop and ask them what it is. Many of them have family or kids that they have been estranged from. Many once had a great career. Many have dreams and hopes for the future. Many simply want someone to treat them like a human and give them their identity back by using a name. I can promise you that it's not as easy as "just getting a job."  If a person finds themselves in a situation where they have lost their ID...it can be a very long process to get an ID. It's really hard to get a job without an ID, a contact phone number, or address.  So rather than assume, judge, or be in fear.....start by asking a question, "Hi, what it your name?" And you don't have to give them all your money. That's a common misconception. It kills some people to have to ask for it.

Unfortunately there are those people who are homeless and give up. There are those who will take your money and use it for drugs and alcohol. It is a sad reality. But it doesn't mean they all do. You do have to exercise discernment and you do have to be careful. I'm not telling a single female to roll down her window in downtown at night, alone. I'm just saying, the next time you find yourself in a position to look away, choose not to. Smile. Look at them and smile.

I came across an article that was written by an ex-homeless guy. I really liked the following quote:

"People ... reached out to me with genuine concern and said, 'Hey, how are you doing?' and meant it," he says. "You know, we don't have to empty our pockets every time we see a homeless person. But to offer a word of cheerful encouragement, instead of a hurtful comment — how hard is that?"


You can read the entire story here: Ex-Homeless Speak Out to Change Perceptions


I love to study and learn about the people  Jesus really spent time with.
They weren't the most popular, wealthiest, stable individuals. It was the people who were trouble makers, outcasts, poor and dejected. Why is it (generally speaking) that a lot of times the only time we hear sermons on this is to prepare the congregation for an upcoming outreach or mission trip?  Like its a one time a year thing or something.(Again, generally, I do realize there are some awesome churches that live and breath helping the poor). If we are willing to go across the world, we need to be willing to go across the street, or downtown. Love thy neighbor....be it in the gated subdivision or the hood. We all live in the same world. Associating with people different from us with the purpose of being the hands, feet, and heart of Christ is not being OF the world. It is living out some of the greatest commandments of the Bible. People should see Jesus in us. That goes for those that are closest to us to those we pass by on the street.

"Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: "Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously." 
 Matthew 10:5 (The Message)




If it sounds like I'm on a soapbox...I am. I'm so passionate about this topic.


If you really want to help but feel uncomfortable giving out money, here is a practical "kit" you can keep in your car to give away. I don't suggest giving money, however, there are times when God specifically prompts me to do so. In those moments I know that what is done with the money is not my responsibility, I'm only being obedient to what God has told me to do. That's why I say to pray for and use discernment. The Holy Spirit will prompt you with what you need to do and take care of the rest.

We will always accept donations at Rescue Atlanta, but if you would rather give to a local organization in your neighborhood...please do. If a person is helped. Praise God. We're all on the same team.
If you would like to send homeless kits or items for homeless kits to Rescue Atlanta, please send them to:

Rescue Atlanta, Attn: Morgan Paddock, 410 Englewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA  30315

If you need helping finding a local place to donate to, message me, and I'll help you locate one in your area.
I would suggest keeping a few in your car to have "on hand." Pray specifically for God to put the people who need them in your path. This is a great project for a bible study group, youth group, or school group.

Suggested Homeless Kit Content:

1 gallon Ziploc bag
1 Juice box
Throat lozenges
Trial size Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen
hand sanitizer
hand or face lotion
packaged hand wipes
lip balm
soap/shampoo
Small selection of ready-to-eat protein rich food such as:
   Cheese and crackers
   Power bar
   Tuna in a bag (no cans requiring an opener)
   Vienna sausages
   Beef jerky
One sweet item such as canned fruit or pudding
Plastic utensils and napkin
Washcloth
Small bible or bible tract
Bus Schedule
Prepaid phone card
Gloves/ knit beanie 
Resource list for the homeless
Pair of men's socks

Be a blessing. You will in turn be blessed. 
And remember a simple smile is worth gold to someone who rarely gets one.
If anyone ever wanted to find Christ when he was living....I'm sure you would have found him sitting among, "the least of these."
May we all be a little more like Jesus today.



For His Renown,
Morgan