Homeless 2

Yesterday I talked about homelessness in general.  Today I would like to focus on families that are homeless.  In today’s economy in the US, we talk of debt in multi-trillions dollar amounts, we send billions of dollars to foreign countries (not all of which are true allies), we waste so much on pork barrel spending, and yet waste more on bailing out those robbed by CEO/boardmember thieves whom are allowed to roam free WITH “their” money.  And while all of this is going on, we have senior citizens who don’t have enough money for both food and pills, families who are only one paycheck away from no home, and no resources from this “great country” to stop any of it from happening.

I know that last paragraph sounds a bit of rant, and it is.  It is also what I see right here in Omaha, Nebraska.  Pantry shelves running empty, shelters over crowded, and individuals, couples and families living on the streets.  In the land of the plenty, how do we allow this to happen?  How does it continue?  When does it stop?

It happens because “we” allow it to.  We do not hold politicians accountable.  It continues because “we” have chose to let it be ok, it doesn’t effect our life.  It only stops when enough people create change to make something lasting happen.

The National Center on Family Homelessness shares that families experiencing homelessness are under considerable stress. They move frequently and many are doubled-up in overcrowded apartments with relatives or friends. Others sleep in cars and campgrounds or send their children to stay with relatives to avoid shelter life. Once in shelter, families must quickly adjust to overcrowded, difficult, and uncomfortable circumstances. Despite the efforts of dedicated staff, many shelters are noisy, chaotic, and lack privacy. Homelessness increases the likelihood that families will separate or dissolve, which may compound the stress the family feels.

Families experiencing homelessness:

• Are typically comprised of a mother in her late twenties with two children
• 84% of families experiencing homelessness are female-headed.
• 42% of children in homeless families are under age six.
• More than half of all homeless mothers do not have a high school diploma.
• 29% of adults in homeless families are working.
• Have much higher rates of family separation than other low-income families.

Knowing that there are up to two million people in this country alone, that are homeless, there is a good chance that someone in your family, someone you know, someone you work with, or someone you attend worship with are either homeless or on the verge of being homeless.

In order to make ends meet in our home, I have a part time job.  At that part time job a mother of two and her boy friend live in a long term economy hotel.  They make due, but are unable to “get out” because they lack the resources for deposits, moving fees, and furniture.  So, for now, a hotel is their home (which I understand is better than living without.)  My point is that there is far more people who are so close to being on the street, then ever before.  A culture shift is due; not a hand out, a hand up!   

Check out the CBS Story on this, including their video of Florida youth.  CLICK HERE


We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One hand at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals