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 At the KSDA
Street Ministry, we are here to help, we are here to encourage, we are
here to show the way to a self-directed, fulfilled life. There is hope.
Almost any day, somewhere in Kelowna, on a busy street
intersection or blocks away from any church, you may encounter someone
holding up a sign which says something like, "Will Work for Food." Just
driving by can cause uncomfortable feelings, even in the most cynical. You
don't want people to be hungry or homeless...You want to do what you can to
help! But you wonder if you are being "scammed" or if the people will really
use the money you give them for food ...
These people only represent a handful of the men and women
in desperate need in our community. Even in a city the size of Kelowna, it
is easy for us to be overwhelmed by the needs of the poor! It is important
for you to know some facts about the homeless in our community.
Understanding the homeless
The first, and most important fact, is that all homeless
people are not alike. Circumstances which result in homelessness can happen
both to the young and old, people with college degrees and those who are
illiterate.
They may be mentally ill, drug or alcohol-addicted,
displaced workers or veterans. Many of the homeless are among the working
poor--people whose minimum-wage jobs just won't pay the rent and put food on
the table.
In addition, there are hundreds of households in our community which are
just one crisis away from homelessness. They may be sharing housing ...
living paycheck to paycheck with no reserve for emergencies ... people who
have no friends or family to help them. The homeless can be victims of
illness, child abuse, violence or the lack of education and job skills.
On the other hand, homelessness can result from an
individual's own bad choices. Although some homeless people may be
dangerous, they are more frequently targets of abuse and street crime. They
can feel very isolated and become concerned for their physical safety and
the security of the few belongings they may have.
Whatever the circumstances of their homelessness, these men and women really
need our help! But what can one person do? Below are some ways that you can
help the homeless and poor people in our community:
- Remember that the homeless are all individuals with
individual needs.
- Treat the homeless kindly and with respect--they may go
days without any positive contact with another person.
- Instead of cash, provide a sandwich and a cup of
coffee, a blanket on a cold night or a gift certificate to a nearby
fast-food restaurant. Or direct them to the KSDA Street Ministry where
they can get the services they need. Even a hungry person might convert
cash to drugs or alcohol.
- Take precautions for your own safety--some homeless
people may be fearful, angry or paranoid.
- Remember, and remind them, that God loves them.
- Keep them in your prayers.
- Educate the young people in your life about the issues
of homelessness and encourage their involvement in caring for the needy.
- Volunteer your professional abilities or interests--we
can use a wide range of skills!
- Provide clothing and household items which can be
distributed to the needy or sold to support our various services.
- Support the KSDA Street Ministry's 365-day-a-year
ministry to people in need with your contributions and your prayers.
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