leading the way to a life off the street

Is salvation our sole focus?

2012-02-14T08:07:00.000-08:00

One of my staff stated it succinctly, "Are we reflecting the love of God when we make someone an object of our charity?"

From my 2011 paper: MD524-Advocacy for Social Justice: Reclaiming Missional Service with a View of Rescue Missions

Linthicum, Robert. 2003. Transforming Power: Biblical Strategies for Making a Difference in Your Community. Downers Grove: IVP.

CHRISTIAN CHARITY: A Call for a Return to Missional Stewardship - PART 3

2012-02-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIAN CHARITY: A Call for a Return to Missional Stewardship - PART 3

~ © by Rev. Jim Lewis 2012

MISSIONAL STEWARDSHIP THROUGH CHARITY

—Mission and CHARITY in society

Mission was understood to be the “verbal proclamation” of an eternity to come; the related social, political implications were not seen as critical to that message, but secondary. (Bosch 2004:124) In recent decades there has been a growing recognition of mission and charitable efforts as being God’s mission, not ours. Karl Barth (who presented mission as the activity of God) and Karl Hartenstein (who conceptualized missio Dei) broke from Enlightenment theology with this new paradigm of mission. Various mission conferences later presented this terminology and the focus of mission became the work of God rather than the work of man; mission became defined as an activity of God. Both men were desirous to confine mission to God, thus preventing it from “being secularized and horizontalized.” (Okoye 2006:18) Consequently, missions, as an activity of the church, became defined as the “participation” in the sending of God. Okoye further states:

If the church’s mission merely participates in and serves God’s mission, which enfolds all people and all dimensions of existence, then it cannot be limited to church-centered goals like planting churches and saving souls. It must equally be as directed toward the full well-being of humanity and the cosmos as the missio Dei itself. (Okoye 2006:18)

This new understanding led to the development of missional community development.

History is replete with stories of missionaries whose sole purpose was to preach the gospel. In The Open Secret, Lesslie Newbigin discusses missionaries whose goal is “to be pure evangelists uninvolved in all the business of “social service.” However, the common sense of the gospel message defies such limited view. (Newbigin 1995:91) The obvious societal, health, and educational needs of those being reached with the gospel spawned countless service organizations across the globe. In response to these efforts there was much discussion in the church questioning the validity of these activities as being intregal to missions. These activities were defended in missions conferences, such as the Lindsey Commission Report of 1931, which focused on educational minsitry in India. (Newbigin 1995:92)

Colonialism in what was termed “undeveloped” nations fueled much of the perceptions of ministry and public services to nationals under the authority of the ruling government and related missionary efforts. These efforts, usually involving hospitals and schools, were continued in the same fashion long after the reduction of colonialism through so-called “technical assistance” and “development.” (Newbigin 1995:93) This would continue until the growth of “self liberation” through “conscientization” was develped by Brazilian educator Paulo Freire, who believed “all education is either for domination or liberation.” (Newbigin 1995:94) As colonialism declined, so did the foreign economic support for this assistance to nationals. Similarly, while our overseas missions were currently promoting the “three-self” church model, home missions did not address how to make their own poor self-supporting. In both mission environments, this methodology of promoting self-support created an enablement of the status quo and the lack of supportive services. Additionally, the focus on services that lacked an overt spiritual dimension led many evangelicals to withdraw their involvement and financial support. There was an obvious need to address both vertical and horizontal dimensions in missions and in overall Christian charity.

What Lesslie Newbigin had proposed as “distinguishing the missionary dimension of the church from her missionary intention” was later picked up by the 1984 Pontifical Council which expanded the mission of the church to include “. . . commitment to social development and human liberation . . .” (Okoye 2006:20-21) However, it is important to note that the growing swing in missions solely toward a social component of an increasingly materialistic gospel had its opposition. Visser ’t Hooft, speaking to the Uppsala Assembly, decried either extreme:

A Christianity which has lost its vertical dimension has lost its salt and is not only insipid in itself, but useless to the world. But a Christian which would use the vertical preoccupation as a means to escape its responsibility for and in the common life of man is in denial of the incarnation.” (Bosch 2005:408)

Combined with the growing centralistic philosophy in missions and in the church of general welfare and charity, the modern church is left to sort out this dichotomy through developing a holistic Biblical model of mission and charity that has its source in missio Dei.

CHRISTIAN CHARITY: A Call for a Return to Missional Stewardship - Part 2

2012-02-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIAN CHARITY: A Call for a Return to Missional Stewardship - Part 2

~ © by Rev. Jim Lewis 2012

Missional Stewardship THROUGH Charity

—A BRIEF HISTORY OF Christian Charity

Following the pattern of Old Testament directives to Israel with regard to hospitality toward strangers, examples of New Testament charity focused primarily upon hospitality within the church, such as the Apostle Paul directing the believers to “welcome one another” as was modeled by Christ. (Romans 15:7) On the surface, it would seem there is little evidence of direction to the church toward charitable outreach to the world beyond the Great Commission and making disciples—which may have been the lack of impetus for outreach beyond basic evangelism. However, throughout history, the people of God have involved themselves in numerous forms of charity and hospitality toward others.

In the majority of New Testament texts, hospitality refers to serving other believers in need of assistance. In some texts it is not clear if there is a distinguishing between serving believers and those in the community, although it seems clear that a believer’s responsibility was outward as well. (Gal 6:10; 1 Thes 3:12) In her book Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition, Christine Pohl quotes the Emperor Julian (a.d. 362), who provides evidence of an external ministry of Christian charity, and who directs those of his own religion to “imitate Christian concern for strangers.” (Pohl 1999:44)

For it is disgraceful that, when no Jew ever has to beg, and the impious [Christians] support not only their own poor but ours as well, all men see that our people lack aid from us. Teach those of the Hellenic faith to contribute to public service of this sort. (1)

Reformation brought a rebirth of charity and hospitality, as it once again began to be seen as a response to a moral or ethical “duty” to share one’s increase with those less fortunate. John Calvin commented upon what he saw as the “demise of ancient hospitality,” (Pohl 1999:36)

This office of humanity has . . . nearly ceased to be properly observed among men; for the ancient hospitality celebrated in histories, in unknown to us, and inns now supply the place of accommodations for strangers.” He warned that the increasing dependence on inns rather than on personal hospitality was an expression of human depravity. (3)

Subsequent to Christianity becoming the accepted religion of Constantine’s empire, “government” resources began to support public assistance as well the church. Care for the needy developed into what is now considered “public service” or “general welfare.” It was during this period that these services became institutionalized and specialized as “social service.” What had been considered personal hospitality in the early church became separated and distant from the church and the home. Charity became so far removed from the church that in the fourth and fifth centuries John Chrysostom challenged that “hospitality remained a personal, individual responsibility as well,” urging them to make a place for the needy in their homes to serve “the maimed, the beggars, and the homeless.” (2) (Pohl 1999:45)

Similarly, the Second Great Awakening changed how missions and charity were viewed in various movements of the day. Differing paths either separated or combined secular and spiritual interests. In Transforming Mission, David Bosch explains these divergent views: “The Wesleyan revival also meant that secular and spiritual interests had parted company; Methodists were concentrating on the salvation of souls. Societal change was viewed as a result rather than an accompaniment of soul-saving.” (Bosch 2005:278) Bosch points out that many Evangelicals were becoming quite involved in aggressive advocacy for societal change as part of faith (e.g. Wilberforce and Carey):

At the same time these evangelicals had no doubt that soteriological emphasis had to take precedence, that they were not proclaiming mere temporal improvement of conditions, but new life in the fullest sense of the word.” . . . “by the end of the nineteenth century the rift between the conservative (or fundamentalists) mission advocates on one hand and liberals (or social gospelers) on the other was becoming even wider.” (Bosch 2005:281, 297)

We then see a shift within some mission movements from evangelism to social concern, which indicates the change in the interest from individual to society. “The new secular social disciplines revealed that each individual was profoundly influenced and shaped by her or his environment and that it made little sense to attempt to change individuals yet leave their context untouched.” (Bosch 2005:323) Along with this shift came a change in environmental concerns within society as it moved away from agrarian (familial) to an urban (corporate) society, as land ownership became coalesced by a few, exploitation of workers, and a growing need for welfare for the growing urban poor. James Okoye explains in Israel and the Nations, “The traditional kinship values that ensured the welfare of the poor were under pressure from the market economy.” (Okoye 2006:74) An industrial economy would change the landscape of charity; charity and social services would move towards centralization and federalization supported through taxation of the general public.

Although the industrial age has been considered a major contributor to poverty, and thus, an increase in the need for charity, a number of industrialists such as Henry Ford and Andrew Carnegie considered it their responsibility to address these concerns. Ford made new inroads to the hiring, treatment and accommodation of those in need—or charity, as it was viewed in that day. He created factory jobs specifically for the disabled so that they could make a living wage. Ford’s view of poverty was to “fix the train tracks first” and then help people help themselves. (Guinness 2001:232) Andrew Carnegie believed it wrong to die rich, and purposed to live within a set means and endeavored to give away the balance of his income. Both men are considered founders of the modern philanthropic movement. From this point we see a growing philosophy for a corporate, or central, responsibility for society rather than the local community or the church. General welfare, once supplied via the church, is now seen as the duty of agencies, corporations, and governments—and funded primarily through taxation.

The Works of the Emperor Julian, LCL, vol. 3, pp. 67-71.
Chrysostom, Homily 45 on Acts, NPNF1, vol. 11, p. 277.
John Calvin, Commentaries on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1948), 340.

CHRISTIAN CHARITY: A Call for a Return to Missional Stewardship

2012-02-04T08:36:00.001-08:00

An article on tithing by Bruce Nolan of Religiom News Service brought to mind a paper I wrote on Christian Charity. As I have posted a series of blogs previously from another paper, I think this is a timely subject on which to post a series. I am open to comments and dialogue. (note: some of the statistics may be a bit dated, as this research is several years old)

CHRISTIAN CHARITY: A Call for a Return to Missional Stewardship - Part 1

~ © by Rev. Jim Lewis 2012

INTRODUCTION
MISSIONAL STEWARDSHIP THROUGH CHARITY
--A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY
--MISSION AND CHARITY IN SOCIETY
BIBLICAL FOUNDATION FOR CHARITY1
--OLD TESTAMENT SUPPORT
--NEW TESTAMENT SUPPORT
IMPLICATIONS FOR MINISTRY
SUMMARY
REFERENCES CITED

INTRODUCTION

It is a simple task to gauge a person’s understanding of stewardship by studying their charitable giving, or lack thereof. Christians have been known for generosity since the New Testament; from collecting for fellow believers’ needs to serving the church through their own homes. Throughout the ages this sharing of one’s property, possessions, and income has taken various forms, depending upon the culture, societal conditions, personal ability, felt or communicated need, and the prevailing understanding of charity. Scripture provides a record of the giving of the Israelites and the church, and the impetus for sharing with others—family, neighbors, or visitors—within one’s sphere of influence. From whatever denomination, most Christians will agree the Bible provides an unmistakable model of, and rewards for, giving of one’s resources.

With such sufficient encouragement, and ample evidence for a scriptural basis to share one’s resources with others, one would think that the external environment in which people find themselves would not necessarily be a factor in their giving. Unfortunately, we find that to be untrue in this day of a faltering economy. Given recent research, we see overwhelming evidence that the church has lost its obligatory teaching of stewardship and giving.

The people of God alone, following even a limited scriptural model of giving, could create a stimulus package of their own, wiping out the worst world poverty by just giving an average of ten percent. In his book God and Your Stuff, Wesley Willmer details the recent giving statistics of Christians. Although Christians out-give the general population by four times, their giving leaves a lot to be desired, as average giving of income is well below ten percent. Roman Catholics’ average 1.5 percent of income; Protestants 2.8; and Evangelicals 4.8. (Wilmer 2002:143) However, even with a church that gives more than the general public, the statistics point to a disappointing decline in overall giving by Christians. In Money, Possessions, and Eternity, Randy Alcorn shares 2001 results from Barna Research that reveals significant trends in giving:

A 19 percent drop in per capita donations to churches
Among adults calling themselves “born-again,” there was a 44 percent increase in those who gave nothing
The number of donors to nonprofits or churches declined by 7 percent

Barna Research also reveals that not only does giving decrease as income increases, but that those making less generally give the highest percentage of their income. (Alcorn 2003:180) Likewise, in a new study on Christian giving, Passing the Plate, sociologists Christian Smith, Michael Emerson, and Patricia Snell expose even more disappointing facts:

Americans who earn less than $10,000 gave 2.3 percent of their income to religious organizations, whereas those who earn $70,000 or more gave only 1.2 percent. While the actual percentages are slightly higher for Christians who regularly attend church, the pattern is similar. Households of committed Christians making less than $12,500 per year give away roughly 7 percent of their income, a figure no other income bracket beats until incomes rise above $90,000 (they give away 8.8 percent). (Moll 2008)

The reasons given are: more people living on fixed incomes; they are following the example of the church’s external giving; they are not being asked to give; and they give from their wallets rather than from their paychecks—congregants simply do not plan to give in a premeditated manner. Alcorn’s commentary rings true here, “What we do with our possessions is a sure indicator of what’s in our hearts.” (Alcorn 2003:101)

In declining economies such as we now find ourselves, individuals and families are historically at risk of losing employment and housing, and, for some, even becoming homeless. In this situation the normative and logical reaction is to pull back from charitable giving—limiting our financial stewardship in these areas, and lessening our missional impact to the world. However, I believe the U.S. church needs to reassess their understanding of missional stewardship with relationship to providing charity to the homeless and needy.

Scripture is replete with directives to serve the homeless and needy, and therefore, ministry to homeless and needy can be seen as God’s mission for the people of God. It is logical to assume that ministry to the homeless can be a quantitative measure of missional stewardship within the U.S. church. How a church deals with the weakest members of their own community is now, more than ever, indicative of their understanding of mission.

To facilitate a foundation for this challenge we will discuss—albeit briefly—historical, missional, and biblical support for considering the necessity of the church to reassess its understanding of stewardship and involvement in charitable service. As an introduction, a healthy understanding of charitable giving and how God views the poor is in order. In The Other Six Days, R. Paul Stevens discusses the need for a theology of good works: what orthodoxy is to doctrine and orthopraxy is to works, orthopathy is to having a passion for God’s heart . . . “to care for what God cares for.” (Stevens 1999:251) As the people of God develop a true theology of giving through understanding God’s heart, they will accept what the fourth century church father, John Chrysostom argued, that “the rich are not owners of their wealth but stewards for the poor.” (Stevens 1999:252) He also admonishes the church “that ministering to the poor simultaneously heals the hearts of the rich and nourishes Jesus,” agreeing with Matthew 25:40. Who better to educate our hearts on love and compassion than our neighbor?

In the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) we find an expanded version of who Christ considers our neighbor: anyone in need to whom we can provide hospitality . . . and thus, we express our love for God through our actions of grace, as we serve—not merely the neighbor—but God. This truth gives impetus to the church to have a passion for stepping beyond its comfort and into service. In Doing Well and Doing Good, Os Guinness contrasts those who would serve comfortably from within their own communities, and those who step boldly into the uncomfortable. There is a distinct difference between philanthropy and charity; “to be a “soup-kitchener” and cross the social lines to care for the poor and needy is a costly decision that requires moral initiative.” (Guinness 2001:221) It is this initiative that I would like to discuss.

Noble Development vs. Toxic Charity

2012-02-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

Food coops that donate to needy individuals who are not personally involved in the process can deter from the long-term goal of self-sustaining development. To be more effectively developmental charitable coops should invite underprivileged families to come and be involved in the process from scratch . . . Thereby cultivating their pride as well as their sustenance. They could then sell or trade the excess in a farmers market to buy other needed food items -- or donate to a shelter that provides for emergency shelter and meals. To do so for people beyond their emergency need unfortunately turns the noble effort into "Toxic Charity".

http://fcsministries.org/books/toxic-charity/

"Churches and charities have fallen into the bad habit of creating programs to help the poor when in reality the only people they are helping are themselves, creating a toxic charity that needs to be reexamined and fixed. In this groundbreaking book, Lupton shows how good-intentioned people are actually hurting the very people they’re trying to help. The poor end up feeling judged, looked down upon, only worthy of charity and handouts that end up making them more dependent instead of learning skills to help themselves. Churches and charitable organizations, though good-intentioned, have missed the mark when it comes to serving the poor, creating a toxic form of charity. Lupton says that a better system would be to treat the poor as business partners, empowering them to start businesses, build houses, plan communities, etc. He offers specific organizations as examples of this healthier model of charity and gives practical ideas for how to get involved in service projects that truly help. Together, we can serve our world in a way that actually effects life-altering change."

Kodak's failure was in their contentment with the status quo

2012-01-25T20:39:00.001-08:00

Eastman Kodak was one of the best for-profit companies I have ever worked for. It was first to develop digital imaging capture techniques . . . but that was at the height of the film business and they were fat and happy, sitting on top of their bankroll and the industry. Failing to grab an opportunity was their downfall. At the core was the limited vision of the leadership.

Successful companies act strategically in down times in preparation for the upswing - lest they lose their edge and miss an opportunity. A good blog from David Curry on this: http://t.co/gYcpCluJ

A lesson for nonprofits: If you have reserves to expand and lay the groundwork for additional services - especially when the need is great, and your programs are successful - don't hesitate to use those resources. Perhaps that's why God provided them in the first place.

Reclaiming Missional Service with a View of Rescue Missions - Final

2011-11-14T08:29:00.000-08:00

In an effort to provide an advocacy for our local churches to reclaim a theology and practice for missional service to the homeless and disadvantaged in our communities, I will be posting a series of blogs. These will be somewhat a compilation of several papers and discussions over the last few years. I hope they will generate discussion in your sphere of influence and in our churches.

Reclaiming Missional Service with a View of Rescue Missions - Final & Works Cited
~ © by Rev. Jim Lewis

Incarnational Effort

When efforts are not incarnational, little of lasting note gets done – this can lead to negative issues . . . and those seeing themselves in the “crosshairs” of perceived do-gooders begin to see themselves as “targets” rather than in community (2003b, 108). Becoming part of the community through assimilating culture and context takes time and effort, which is necessary in order to build a missional bridge of any permanence. This integration will take visionary church leaders who are able to assess the needs of the community, as well as considering the strengths within a congregation, and to build individual team leaders who can lay the groundwork for a safe and appropriate missional outreach (2006b, 32). I mention “safe” as there is danger in not considering the full impact of an urban environment when developing programs. This type of missional outreach can allow people to step beyond the “soup-kitchener” experience and into a more personal and contextual missional expression of their faith and lifestyle. Such change can only come through a concerted effort of our church leaders, ministries and community agencies in creating a bias for action through educating congregants in missional stewardship of all that they control – time, treasure, and talents (2009).

In keeping with our Core Purposes, a new effort of Long Beach Rescue Mission will include communicating more fully the needs around us, the missional responsibilities of our local congregations, and the available programs in which they may participate. A corresponding effort will be made with other service providers, assisting in the reduction of duplication of services and identification of the appropriate methodologies of program outreach. Christians must begin to see that the return on their investments will be realized eternally as well in the present, as they see the changed lives of men, women, and children that are impacted by their stewardship – and the grave loss from not investing in the effort (2002, 295).

Missional Implications

The result of this study will lead me to facilitate our Senior Leadership’s examination of our guiding documents and establish whether or not LBRM is indeed contributing fully as part of the Christian Church in an effort to share the love and grace of Christ through its ministry. As I believe that we are not alone in the community—of the city and of our faith—I feel that this evaluation needs to be two-fold. We draw both church and community to us as a resource for, and preparation to mission . . . and we reach out into the community to serve homeless men, women, and children. This is a picture of incarnational ministry as we provide both justice and salvation – intertwined in a manner that they cannot be separated; one is dependent on the other. As several authors through my work at Fuller have spoken about the interaction of faith and social justice, I continue to struggle with aspects of each—faith and justice—and how they work together and/or balance each other.

There are distinct implications for my ministry, as my staff and I spend much time considering how our services and programs fit in the context of our current culture. The manner in which we communicate and present ourselves as the church to our clients, and to the churches for which we provide resources, is critical to our mission and success. Our ministry to homeless people and those in need are, to us, the community to which God has directed us to serve. How we perform these services in the context of the wider community indicates to that community who and what the Church is. This work has made me consider more deeply the sociological, historical, and political conditions in which the Church—and our ministry—must be the visible expression of God to the world.

REFERENCES CITED
Bosch, David J. 2005. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission. Maryknoll: Orbis.

Drane, John. 2008. After McDonaldization: Mission, Ministry, and Christian Discipleship in an Age of Uncertainty. Grand Rapids: Baker.

Frost, Michael, and Alan Hirsch. 2003a. The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st Century Church. Peabody: Hendrickson.

Guinness, Os. 2001. Doing Well and Doing Good: Money, Giving and Caring in a Free Society. Colorado Springs: NavPress.

Kleist, Patti. 1998. "Saving Grace: A History of Long Beach Rescue Mission". College Paper, Rescue College, Kansas City: AGRM.

Lewis, James K. 2009. "Christian Charity: A Call for a Return to Missional Stewardship." Course Final, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena.

Linthicum, Robert. 2003b. Transforming Power: Biblical Strategies for Making a Difference in Your Community. Downers Grove: IVP.

Lupton, Robert. 2007. Compassion, Justice and the Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor. Ventura: Regal.

Okoye, James. 2006a. Israel and the Nations: A Mission Theology of the Old Testament. Maryknoll: Orbis Books.

Paul, William E. 1946. The Romance of Rescue. Minneapolis: Osterhus.

Pohl, Christine D. 1999a. Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Roxburgh, Alan J. and Fred Romanuk. 2006b. The Missional Leader: Equipping Your Church to Reach a Changing World. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Sider, Ronald J., Philip N. Olson, and Heidi Rolland Unruh. 2002. Churches That Make a Difference: Reaching Your Community with Good News and Good Works. Grand Rapids: Baker.

Stevens, R. Paul. 1999b. The Other Six Days: Vocation, Work, and Ministry in Biblical Perspective. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Appendix A
Invisible Neighbors

Plan: Develop relationships with local churches to facilitate their hosting a six-week Sunday School lesson utilizing this curriculum

Purpose: To initiate discussion on the Church’s role in hospitality, and provide resources for them to reach-out into their local area and the urban center

SESSION 1: Who is my neighbor?
“Hey, we’re neighbors!” An unusual encounter with a homeless man that changes everything A culture of “cocoons” and “clans” The impact the loss of social capital now has on our every-day lives The Samaritan saga A fresh, in-depth look at one of Jesus’ often-repeated parables

SESSION 2: Nations of neighbors in need
Concerning statistics Facts and figures regarding our most heart-wrenching social issues “This is my story” Getting acquainted with two very typical invisible neighbors The next ten years What the days ahead might hold if things continue as they are

SESSION 3: The question of responsibility
The government’s burden? The very complicated role of government in caring for the poor The church’s responsibility? Why the church of Jesus Christ is not as involved as it should be Under the Overpass Two transients tell of their experiences with Christians on the streets

SESSION 4: Love your neighbor as yourself
A biblical perspective on the poor What scripture says about the poor and the obligation of believers Jesus and the Year of Jubilee How the Son of God brings back to life a forgotten Jewish custom The Matthew 25 upshot The meaning and ramifications of a popular passage on kindness

SESSION 5: Embracing radical hospitality
The New Testament model What biblical hospitality really means and how one patriarch lived it Community, then houses The right priority for addressing homelessness from a faith perspective Christ, then programs Why the Gospel needs to come before enrollment in social programs

SESSION 6: Missions to the rescue
A perfect place to start What rescue missions have stood for and what they continue to do Your invitation for involvement Ways you can serve a rescue mission and what it will do for you Don’t forget the words A final word on communicating the life changing truth of Jesus

Ashmen, John. 2011. Invisible Neighbors: If You Don't See Them, You Aren't Looking. San Clemente: Cross Section. http://www.agrm.org/agrm/Invisible_Neighbors.asp

Reclaiming Missional Service with a View of Rescue Missions - Part 6

2011-11-09T17:30:00.000-08:00

Reclaiming Missional Service with a View of Rescue Missions - Part 5

2011-11-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

Given Rescue Mission ministry and services are rooted in biblical foundations, what can we change? I believe rather than directing our attention solely on salvation outcomes, the focus of our service must become more relational and come from a desire to live out Jesus in view of those we serve. If we enact a relational model, our gift of hospitality will not be directed simply as social service, but an extension of our own relationship with Christ, and thus we will empower those whom we serve, not treat them as “clients or recipients” (2003b, 108). One of my staff stated it succinctly, “Are we reflecting the love of God when we make someone an object of our charity?”

Making this connection between our hospitality and creating a relational community is critical, as it is my experience leading two Rescue Missions, that exercising non-reciprocal hospitality without some expectation of responsibility on the part of the recipient can quickly become enabling; the ministry will, unfortunately, be reduced to mere social service. Often, we see our guests responding to the level of expectation we have for them; not in a manner of forcing people to respond to our hospitality, but they recognize our underlining purpose is creating an environment of community in which they can feel safe and receive emotional and spiritual healing (2007, 52). Christine Pohl offers a critical connection between hospitality provided in Christian communities and the response to it:

Hospitality . . . demonstrates that important healing takes place within community. Reclaiming hospitality is an attempt to bring back the relational dimension to social service, and to highlight concern for empowerment and partnership with those who need assistance” (1999a, 162).

As Long Beach Rescue Mission becomes that community, we will learn that stewardship of our hospitality is not merely a matter of distributing resources but an actual life-practice of the people of God. This stewardship needs to become the model in our local churches as well.

How I Feel About the Occupy Movement with a View of the Homeless

2011-10-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to figure out how I feel about the Occupy Movement. It is difficult to find out what they are really about, given the hype and coverage that is out there. Try Google-ing “What does OWS want?” and one will find myriad results:

The results include the satirical and engage in slapstick humor (warning: language)

More seriously, an early report from ABC gives a visual walk-through of an OWS encampment “headquarters.”

A Declaration issued Sept 29th focuses exclusively upon corporations (which they see supported by Wall Street). NYCGA

Of note to me is their charge that corporations are holding students hostage through student loan debt, for which they voluntarily applied (rather than earning and paying for their degree over time as I did), as well as declaring that higher education – sans student loans, and perhaps tuition itself – is a human right.

What brought the somewhat generic mindset of this group home to me, within my sphere of influence, was a voicemail left by a self-proclaimed “leader” of the Occupy Long Beach group camping out in the same space as the chronic homeless in Lincoln Park. He wanted me as a service provider and leader to join them in seeking to make Long Beach more “homeless friendly.” I found this invitation rather arrogant and ill-informed, as all those who he was contacting have been actively addressing homeless issues for some time. His Johnny-come-lately invitation was an affront to all the efforts many have been putting into this issue . . . and to think he believes he can waltz in and experience an instant solidarity with the plight of those with whom he has been camping out for a few days . . . has he been smoking our infamous medipot?

This presents an interesting dichotomy, as some OWS camps are ironically having problems with sharing their food with the "professional homeless" who are "mooching" as reported by the Huffington Post: HUFF and New York Post: NYPOST

While another blog discusses the issues related to living on the street OWSers are learning by the seat-of-their-pants (and expecting it to be provided for them?): REALITY

I informed him that making that lifestyle friendlier will not necessarily help in ending their plight, but serve to enable it – thus harming rather than helping the individual and community. In my return voicemail I explained the efforts of many in the homeless issues and invited him to join with us through the Homeless Coalition, Kingdom Causes, the Rescue Mission and other agencies, in providing realistic paths out of the parks, and off the streets. That making the parks more inviting and comfortable for homeless persons is not the answer – as that only enables people to remain in that state.

My opinion may change as I hear more – and see some responsible effort on their part; but as I have perused the disconnected rhetoric being reported as the causes célèbres of the Occupy movements across the country, I doubt seriously if many of these demonstrators have any foundational – or even formative – ideology or realistic and practical answers to the reality of even just one demographic they may feel a solidarity with . . . the homeless – as they occupy the same ground of our urban centers. Perhaps a few weeks on the streets will help them realize how well they actually have it in this country of unlimited dreams and opportunity.

Reclaiming Missional Service with a View of Rescue Missions - Part 4

2011-10-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

In an effort to provide an advocacy for our local churches to reclaim a theology and practice for missional service to the homeless and disadvantaged in our communities, I will be posting a series of blogs. These will be somewhat a compilation of several papers and discussions over the last few years. I hope they will generate discussion in your sphere of influence and in our churches.

Reclaiming Missional Service with a View of Rescue Missions ~ Part 4
~ © by Rev. Jim Lewis

A Brief History of Long Beach Rescue Mission

As with many Rescue Missions, the Long Beach Rescue Mission (LBRM) was the result of Christian and civic leaders seeing a need in their community. As founder Wayne Teurele became increasingly involved with churches and officials in the city of Long Beach in the early 1970s, he saw a need to serve a growing homeless population in Long Beach. Teurele formed a group of local Christian businessmen as a Board of Directors, located a suitable building for a shelter, and soon asked the blessing of God and city officials for success. Due to the evident need at the time, city officials were disposed to assist the Mission start-up. In a growing metropolitan city of over 347,000 there existed few services for those on the streets. A free clinic supported 11 beds and the local Salvation Army 70, but they did not house transients. Law enforcement placed inebriated transients overnight in the drunk tank, and in the morning fed them and “encouraged” them to leave town. George Logan of the United Way Community Planning Council said that they “needed a mission . . . it was long overdue.” Chief of Police Mooney said he “would like to see a mission . . . a conservative figure of need was 50 beds a night.” Judy Kennedy of the Department of Public Health, Long Beach Alcoholic Rehabilitation Center stated, “We endorse this plan without reservation.” Many community leaders joined the effort, assisting in the acquisition and modification of the facility (Kleist 1998).

In his speeches to religious groups, Teurele explained his vision in simple terms: “We think of this as an extension of the church where the church cannot function.” On August 7, 1972, LBRM opened its doors for service. In the Mission’s inaugural newsletter, Teurele declared the Mission to be “unlike the usual men’s mission . . . we are a neighborhood mission.” To this end they not only provided food, showers, clothing, counseling, and Bible study to transients, they also held a Good News Club for the neighborhood children, staged Mothers’ Meetings for Bible teaching and support, gave out free clothing twice a month, held holiday dinners, and even began visitation at the local jail – meeting many community concerns.

LBRM followed a similar model for most Missions of that day: that of starting as a soup kitchen, known for providing “Three Hots and a Cot,” or “Soup, Soap and Salvation.” Overnight services are then expanded to include long-term rehabilitation programs that involve Christian discipleship. This model tended to lack connection to public social service programs that focus on “case management” – which connects people to resources and a path to re-entry into society. Many Missions have picked up on this need, and have become part of the overall public social service continuum of care. However, similar to public programs, there is often a general lack of reciprocal and interdependent services.

In the late 1980s, culture and public opinion began to turn against LBRM and there arose a growing intolerance of the “undeserving poor.” This was especially true in the city of Long Beach where millions of dollars were being spent redeveloping the downtown area after the departure of the Navy. City and community leaders grew weary of panhandlers hurting downtown business; some felt that the Mission’s very existence hurt their commercial success. In 1986 the city passed anti-camping laws, cracking down on transients and living in cars. Partnering with the Downtown Business Association, in 1987 Mayor Ernie Kell formed the Mayor’s Task Force on the Homeless, which led an educational effort on dealing with homeless panhandlers, providing cards listing local shelters and services where they could receive help.

Twenty years from the Mission’s inception, a backlash in the homeless community resulted from these crackdowns. In 1992 protesters picketed the Mission, citing “inhumane treatment of the poor.” Sign-carrying members of the Homeless Organizing Committee bemoaned the Missions “arbitrary criteria” such as a nightly curfew and required chapel attendance (1998).

Arriving in Long Beach in 2006, I found a Mission at odds with the community culture. An adjacent city park was being invaded daily by the homeless and drug traffickers; public perception of Mission practices led to its declining reputation. Meeting with local activists provided examples of a negative community relationship. How could this Mission be successful without being part of its community? Although fully engaged in meeting daily needs, the staff was demoralized . . . but a glimmer of hope had begun to turn things around. A quickly organized community outreach event held on Mission property was open to the public – to which local law enforcement and the community were invited. Program staff was directed to amend several critical elements of Mission programs that were having a negative effect on our immediate neighborhood. We would put into place new schedules and policies that would aggressively mitigate negative issues that our presence was having; we would attempt to “own” our neighborhood alongside of our neighbors, rather than exist in conflict with them. Collaborative activities started building stronger relationships and allowed other agencies an inside view of the Mission’s programs.

Without going into detail of these actions, the Mission once again enjoys a positive reputation in the community, but at some risk of acceptance of the more conservative church community. By placing chapel attendance at the end of the schedule rather than at the outset of the evening services, some feel we are sacrificing the Gospel – when in fact it is enhanced. There is perhaps a misplaced fear that we may become similar to a liberal social service agency. Although structured program elements are enforced, the number of participations has more than quadrupled. More than fifty men and women are in our one-year residential rehabilitation program; however, reducing the number of overnight beds is a result. We also added a graduate Bridge program, which assists in the successful reentry of clients into the community. These services are now seen by our public-sector peers as critical to the continuum of care.

Reclaiming Missional Service with a View of Rescue Missions - Part 3

2011-10-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Ill-Advised Charity: It’s About Perspective

2011-10-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

In "Toxic Charity" Robert Lupton lists the progression of ill-advised charity (pg 130):

• Give once and you elicit appreciation;
• Give twice and you create anticipation;
• Give three times and you create expectation;
• Give four times and it becomes entitlement;
• Give five times and you establish dependency.

Make sure your giving is reciprocal by nature and purposefully creates inter-dependency. It may not make you feel good in the moment, but will provide others with a life-time of accomplishment. It will be more difficult, but will yield positive and lasting results.

Reclaiming Missional Service with a View of Rescue Missions - Part 2

2011-10-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

“For it is disgraceful that, when no Jew ever has to beg, and the impious Galileans [Christians] support not only their own poor but ours as well, all men see that our people lack aid from us. Teach those of the Hellenic faith to contribute to public service of this sort.” (1999a, 44).

Change came subsequent to Christianity becoming the accepted religion of Constantine’s empire; “government” resources supplanted the church’s role as provider of public assistance. It was during this period that the response to needs became institutionalized and specialized as “social service.” What had been considered personal hospitality in the early church became separated and distant from the church and the home. Charity became so far removed from the church that in the fourth and fifth centuries John Chrysostom challenged that “hospitality remained a personal, individual responsibility as well,” urging them to make a place for the needy in their homes to serve “the maimed, the beggars, and the homeless” (1999a, 45).

Reformation brought a rebirth of charity and hospitality, as it once again began to be seen as a response to a moral or ethical “duty” to share with those less fortunate. Pohl quotes John Calvin commenting upon what he saw as the “demise of ancient hospitality,”

This office of humanity has . . . nearly ceased to be properly observed among men; for the ancient hospitality celebrated in histories, in unknown to us, and inns now supply the place of accommodations for strangers.” He warned that the increasing dependence on inns rather than on personal hospitality was an expression of human depravity. (1999a, 36)

Similarly, the Second Great Awakening changed how charity was viewed in various movements of that time. Differing works either separated or combined secular and spiritual interests. In Transforming Mission, David Bosch explains the changes denominations saw as some chose to separate secular and spiritual interests. Some focused on souls, and societal change was viewed as result, not purpose (2005, 278). Bosch points out that many Evangelicals were becoming quite involved in aggressive advocacy for societal change as part of faith (e.g. Wilberforce and Carey):

At the same time these evangelicals had no doubt that soteriological emphasis had to take precedence, that they were not proclaiming mere temporal improvement of conditions, but new life in the fullest sense of the word.” . . . “by the end of the nineteenth century the rift between the conservative (or fundamentalists) mission advocates on one hand and liberals (or social gospelers) on the other was becoming even wider” (2005, 281, 297).

The paradigm shifted from evangelism to social concern, which indicates a change in the interest from individual to society. Secular philosophy felt that changing the person was a waste of time if the environment was left unchanged (2005, 323). Along with this shift came a change in environmental concerns within society as it moved away from agrarian (familial) to an urban (corporate) society – as land ownership became coalesced by a few; exploitation of workers; and a growing need for welfare for the growing urban poor. James Okoye explains in Israel and the Nations, “The traditional kinship values that ensured the welfare of the poor were under pressure from the market economy” (2006a, 74).

An industrial economy would change the landscape of charity; charity and social services would move towards centralization and federalization. From this point we see a growing philosophy for a corporate—or central—responsibility for society rather than the local community or the church. General welfare, once supplied via the church, is now seen as the duty of government agencies, funded through taxation, and is for the most part non-reciprocal – seen as merely a hand-out. An exception to this trend was the Rescue Mission movement, which took various forms – reflecting the differing theologies of the time; some focused primarily on individual spiritual renewal, while others integrated societal change.

Why $2.20 when others may be less?

2011-10-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

Some may be wondering about our cost per meal of $2.20 . . . As it is Fall Campaign time again, and as Long Beach is in the shadow of five larger Missions (LA and Orange County), you will be getting appeals from most of us to help provide meals and critical services to the homeless and disadvantaged during the holidays. Unfortunately, only Orange County Rescue Mission works with us in limited mail in Long Beach zip codes. We wish LA Missions did the same.

When one serves over 240,000 meals a year, meal costs are an interesting conversation item with our marketing vendors and other Missions. We are told that it is not good to raise the price of meals in our appeals. I can't say how others calculate their meals, but I will always choose to be fully honest and transparent with our donors and public. Our meal cost reflects closely what the real meal value and expense for our average meal.

Just as your costs are rising, so are ours. Yes, we do use donated food in preparing our meals; however, the meal cost basis is what the real value is – as if we had to purchase all the items served. So, whether you send a check, food donations, or both, our meal value is on average $2.20. Still a deal no matter how you slice it!

Thank you for sharing your table with those in need this holiday season and throughout the year.

Jim Lewis, CEO

Reclaiming Missional Service with a View of Rescue Missions ~ Part 1

2011-10-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

March New Life Program Graduation Message

2011-03-18T21:29:00.001-07:00

In his cynicism, the writer of Ecclesiastes 9:3 lamented: “It seems so tragic that everyone under the sun suffers the same fate. That is why people are not more careful to be good. Instead, they choose their own mad course, for they have no hope. There is nothing ahead but death anyway.” And we were all on that path – as were you when you came into the Mission.

But God has set a choice with a promise before us in Deuteronomy 30:19: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.” This is the new path that we must choose daily.

We are all here . . . every one of us is here because we made choices along the way that brought us to this place – some on one side of Mission services and some on the other. A few of us have found ourselves on both side of these services of emergency food, clothing shelter and counsel . . . we are each part of the hope of hospitality that leads to life. Both sides have a choice . . . to be one who extends our hand out with assistance and hope – or to be one to extend our hand in receipt of assistance and hope.

We are here to celebrate seven individuals who made their choice a year ago and now find themselves new persons. I am here to challenge you as you go forward. Your choices do not end here on this night of celebration . . . they have only begun. However, they are begun anew. What will be your choices in the future?

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus says that when you make a promise, let your yes be yes, and your no be no. How can you strengthen your resolve and your promise you make tonight – to choose yes? How do you continue to choose the right thing, and the right way?

One is in and through prayer* – as we commune and converse with God. But God is not like a vending machine where we insert a coin (or prayer) and expect to get anything we want . . . Prayer changes the one who prays. It is an intimate discussion with the One who created and loves you. That is how you find the power to choose yes.

Another is through self-examination of our conscience. A deliberate reflection on your daily choices can be made by asking yourself about your relationship with God. Where are you in relationship to Christ – and what you know to be His will for you? What are your choices? Which will glorify Him? Or which will weaken your relationship? What implication does that choice have for your future? Consider that.

Thirdly, you can also confide in your relationship with those of faith who God puts in your life . . . as you did in the daily check-ins here, you must continue to be open to share with others the choices you are facing. Keep allowing yourself to be transparent with others, and open to the wisdom of godly peers and counselors. We are here for you.

Prayer, self-examination, and staying in community . . . these are what I charge you with developing, strengthening and sustaining in your lives as you seek to make the right choices in your continuing journey with Christ. As you have been doing the past year, seek grace and strength to say no to destruction and ruin, and make a fully conscious choice about who you are and who it is that you will become.

God Bless You.

* I give credit for this outline to Shawn Copeland in Practicing Our Faith (Jossey-Bass: 1997)

An Open Challenge to Long Beach

2011-01-04T00:18:00.000-08:00

The unbridled passion for the homeless shown by Andy Bales, CEO of Union Rescue Mission is rubbing off on me. I almost had to pull over this morning during my drive to the office as tears welled up when I got the report yet again of the low number who chose to stay in the Winter Shelter. My wipers were set on fast intermittent, so it was not just a drizzle into which a hundred or so people decided to venture. This issue has angered me, frustrated me, disappointed me . . . and now saddens me.

I am convinced that for most people a well-run shelter is the initial tool through which successful assistance can lead to a life off the street – and keep people from becoming a chronic homeless statistic. Much effort goes into acquiring, preparing, staffing, and funding a shelter for the few months of potential inclement weather of our winter season. Wind and chilly temperatures transform mere rain in our usually moderate Southern California climate into hypothermic conditions that can kill elderly, ill, and weakened homeless persons on the street.

My staff and I recently wept over the senseless loss of a chronic homeless man in our neighborhood when he was found stabbed in a nearby alley in plain view of the front doors of our Samaritan House. We work closely with police and city staff to assist our citizens toward a life off the street; so it is difficult when people ignore the help that is offered . . . and sometimes pay a steep price. Of course, then the reality hits home – that even our current available beds are insufficient if we were to see an increase in the acceptance of our offer of help – we are now always full. The courts have ruled that cities can’t deal with vagrancy issues unless it has available beds; so what are we to do?

This past year, our successful long-term program took 20 beds from our emergency overnight dorms to accommodate the demand. There’s no replacement of those beds in the near future. The consolation is that the graduates of this program are seeing unprecedented success in becoming changed men and women and returning to society. However, does that offset the negative aspect of losing beds in our city’s continuum of care? To deal with this issue will require public and political will to accept the need and allow appropriate facilities to be acquired and responsibly run. We think we have earned the right to do just that.

The respect we’ve earned in the community by running good winter shelter programs as well as successfully mitigating issues around our current year-round shelters at Pacific and Anaheim is revealing. Last year, WESTPAC Community leaders even went as far as to vote to invite LBRM to locate the Winter Shelter in that district. Much to my surprise, our moving the Winter Shelter to North Long Beach has been met with that same unprecedented unanimous welcome by the neighborhood associations.

But the question remains to be answered . . . will they really come if you build it? As we have seen in the failure of a Winter Shelter to keep people in during the longest and heaviest downpour in Long Beach, they won’t necessarily come if you do build it (as many swear will happen). But what will happen is the newly homeless person or family will have a place to come in from the elements instead of finding themselves on the street, and thereby lessening the chances of another chronic statistic that gets counted every other year to decide how much to fund the services they may not even use until it’s too late . . . and our hospitals or coroner takes over.

My challenge to you and the community is to accept that there is a need, and to accept our responsibility to act in the best interests of the weakest members of our society . . . whether their situation came through bad choices – or through no fault of their own. It is our job to reach out and offer a long-term hand up, not merely a temporary hand out. The Long Beach Rescue Mission and I are here to help when you decide that time enough has passed in which to make a difference by helping the homeless, and changing lives.

“I Gain More Than I Give . . .”

2010-12-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

As a Christian, Kevin Clothier wanted to use his gifts to serve others and bring glory to Christ.

He teaches a creative writing course for guests here at the Mission to give them something they can be proud of and to show God’s work unfolding in their lives.

Kevin designed the course to suit various skill levels. It starts with simple journals chronicling their days here at the Mission and significant events of the past. These journal entries are then refined and the final pieces are read aloud during chapel services.

“For me, the most exciting aspect of this process is to watch the men begin to grasp God’s redemptive purposes as their work comes together. Inevitably each writer sees how his own creative expression fits into the grand scheme of God’s plan.”

If you are interested in volunteering at LBRM, contact Denise at (562) 216-7610 or volunteer@lbrm.org for more information.

Local Bank CEO Challenges Long Beach

2010-12-21T21:06:00.000-08:00

It was about a year ago when I met with a local bank CEO who had served on our board of directors. I occasionally schedule a meeting with him to get input on 3 or 4 items I’m working on. One was an offer of advertizing space at the Jet Blue terminal at the Long Beach Airport. It sounded like a good deal that would provide a number of impressions to potential donors. He didn’t think it was that good of a proposition for the cost involved; but he did have a suggestion . . .

What we need, he advised, is a commercial spot in which a local dignitary endorses the work we do helping the homeless and changing lives . . . someone who truly trusts our organization. So who would he suggest do this for us, I asked? Without much hesitation he said he would do it. I marveled that in the tough financial markets we find ourselves that this business leader would stretch himself and his company. But he is no stranger to challenge . . . his family has persevered for generations helping not only the business community of Long Beach and the surrounding area, but supporting charitable work as well.

In the midst of financial difficulty and uncertainty for the Long Beach Rescue Mission, Henry Walker, CEO of Farmers & Merchants Bank stepped into the gap, making a significant investment to challenge individuals and businesses to support the work we do.

Thank you, Henry, for following your family tradition of giving back to the least, the last, and the lost.

My Message to Our 2010 December Graduates

2010-12-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

This last Wednesday night, 54 men and women boarded a yellow school bus to go to the first night of the Winter Shelter. Chaplain Jeff commented to me as we watched that many of those individuals had likely once boarded a yellow school bus as a youngster to go to school . . . never thinking that one day that same bus would take them to a homeless shelter. No one plans to become homeless.

Neither did a young couple 2000 years ago when they were required to return to their hometown for a census . . . Luke 2: While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

There was no room for them in that town of Bethlehem . . . as you may have felt a year ago—that there was no room for you in Long Beach; but you found a place—a bit nicer than a manger for animals—and God met you here. Just as God (literally) met that family in Bethlehem, and continues to meet men, women and children down through the ages.

If you have seen the long-running Charlie Brown’s Christmas on TV, you may recall Charlie, Snoopy and the rest of the gang are practicing their Christmas program. Charlie Brown is charged with finding a tree appropriate for the program. Along with Linus, he searches through row after row of metal trees hoping to find the perfect one. Finally, they locate a tiny tree that’s barely clinging to life. Linus warns Charlie Brown that the others will not like the tree, but he takes it anyway—and it sheds needles all along the way back to the stage. When Charlie hangs a single ornament on it, the tree’s needles fall off and it bends to the ground as dead.

As you can imagine, Lucy, Snoopy and Charlie’s other friends give him all kinds of grief. And they ask Charlie why he chose such a pitiful tree.

Do you recall Charlie’s answer? He said, “The tree needed me.”

At a time when you needed help, you were that tree in the tree lot—and no one wanted you; but you needed us . . . and you came here for help . . . ultimately choosing to come into the New Life Program. And and somewhere along the way to this day the roles became reversed.

As God’s gift to each of us who have been reconciled to him finds out, we needed you as much as you needed us. His Word in Corinthians says that it is the weakest members that are worthy of more honor—that we are to embrace those in need as we would Christ Himself. That's God’s economy.

Now you are at a transition—not the finish line. You will have new responsibilities. As well as moving on in your life, you are now reconcilers. The One who reconciles us, makes us reconcilers of others . . . and you now become reconcilers.

Reconciliation may be with yourself first, and then to family relationships, or to someone down the road . . . but you are now given the same task of becoming reconcilers of God’s grace to others—the community—the world. That same grace that you have freely been given will be passed on through you to others. That is being the light of the world . . .

I will leave you with two scripture verses:
1 John 1:7: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Ephesians 5:8: For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord: walk as children of light.

We will continue to be here for you—as family, and as a kingdom community—to help you keep walking in that light . . . and help you pass that on to others as a testimony of God’s grace.

God Bless you.

Benevolence vs. Stewardship

2010-11-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

Prof. Tom Crisp of Biola spoke at Grace LB on proper benevolence in light of Jesus’ teaching. It provided thought for my thesis on Stewardship. How do we steward wealth? We all know we should spend less and give more . . . But who is teaching the church that we have a responsibility and duty to appropriately obtain, possess, and direct wealth in a manner that causes personal, community and global flourishing? Which is easier or more biblical . . . to be thrifty and give to charity, or become a missional steward of all of life? Is asceticism and charitable benevolence the highest spiritual discipline? Or could perhaps Dallas Willard be on to something when he says, ". . . understanding that possession and right rule over material wealth is a spiritual service of the highest order." (1988: 203) Powerful. But equally challenging is that those who do so, have the right and duty to speak into the social, economic, and political processes in order to steward the appropriate use of the world's wealth and goods for the lessening of the need for that benevolence. Is what you practice benevolence or stewardship?

Being a Steward Leader

2010-10-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed attending our former church in the desert this morning; I'm here for an annual visioning retreat. Pastor Bob Thune's message dealt with growing beyond the basics of the Christian life. But I'm realizing that in seeking to be a better leader I can tend to forget the basics of stewarding my own life. I have been reading, researching and writing on missional leadership for some time now, but the need to lead oneself is a daily task. Scott Rodin's book, “The Steward Leader” found its way in my bag, and it is very revealing as to what is required of those who would be a leader of influence. Being comes before doing. Stewarding an organization and staff can only be done by a leader who is stewarding his or her own life.

When decisions need to be made, “being” is not my first tack . . . as I am a very pragmatic “doer.” But we need to ‘be’ well before we can ‘do’ well. I need to commit to understand being well enough to lead LBRM through its current phase and beyond. I’m glad that my leadership team have strengths* enough to keep us in check. (*Strengths Based Leadership, Tom Rath). Please continue to pray for us as we seek God's direction in tough economic times. We need to be strong in order to serve those who are weak.

"LA Officials Crack Down on Skid Row"

2010-09-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

A recent article in the LA Times discussed groups coming to skid row with meals. It hit home as I often have to explain to groups why we don’t condone feeding in our city parks. Why would the leader of the Long Beach Rescue Mission have a problem with feeding the homeless and destitute people on the streets, you ask? That’s a dichotomy to some, I realize; but there's a good explanation.

There've been news reports across the country of cities passing ordinances to ban feeding in parks. The voices attempting to protect this activity protest that cities are trying to force the homeless out of public parks, hide the homeless from public view, and are violating the 1st Amendment rights of individuals and churches. The ACLU is now involved in numerous suits to protect the right to provide food in public places.

The cities are saying they need to ensure that health codes are followed and social services are strategically coordinated; that feeding in parks encourages homeless to congregate; that it removes the incentive of homeless to seek services; and hinders the public from using the parks. Driving by Lincoln Park, our civic center park in Long Beach, will confirm that it is primarily homeless people using the park as their lunch-hour venue.

In my line of work – as do many of the groups feeding in parks – we use the example of the Good Samaritan as we provide emergency services of food, showers, clothing, shelter, and counsel to those coming through the doors of the Rescue Mission. I like to say that we “give a hand out to offer a hand up.” As people are drawn in for emergency services, they’re offered a menu of services and referrals that can help lead them off the street and back into successful lives in the community. A daunting task for ministries and agencies as the Rescue Mission, but we do see life-changing success.

That leads to the question: “are the efforts of food distribution in parks a valid expression of Christian and social action?”. . . That’s where my job becomes difficult. I believe there needs to be collaboration between our ministry efforts to individuals and the needs of the community at large. As I spoke to a group recently in our 14th Street Park, I attempted to explain how bringing their efforts into existing programs can increase that program’s capacity and draw the homeless in for other services; and that their efforts of one-on-one street outreach to the homeless could just as well be augmented by a fruit bar and juice, rather than a large bag of food that actually enables the homeless to camp out, litter, and continue to ignore services . . . and that even the Good Samaritan took the beaten man off the street and into a shelter.

I then joined hands with them in prayer as they sought God’s blessing on their efforts. As I departed, police and community leaders from the 14th Street Park Cleanup Day arrived to encourage them to move on; undoubtedly leaving them with frustration and disdain at the city for disallowing their Christian duty.

The question remains: “What is our personal, civic, and spiritual duty to those homeless and needy in our midst?” 1 Corinthians 12 states that those weaker among us are worthy of more honor – let’s remember that as we struggle with the dichotomy of personal charity and civic responsibility as we seek to provide quality of life for both the homeless person and the community.

Forced Downtime

2010-09-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

An unattended-to reoccurring sore throat and headache has morphed into an earache and overall lethargic feeling that says, “Stay in bed, do nothing, and get well.” If only that was an option. With multiple projects in progress; community prayer breakfast plans to finalize; my son coming home on leave; a new seminary course starting; schedule invites taking over an upcoming planned desert retreat week; and a budget crisis looming, a leader has no time for an illness laying him or her up – even for a day. Who will take care of “The To Do List,” take the calls, answer the questions, and ensure that all runs smoothly?

As I grumbled all the above thoughts, I shuffled out of bed and found the Airborne Nighttime® hoping that it would calm me down enough to get some additional rest. Breaking the tablet in half (so it would dissolve faster, of course) and pouring the hot water into my Grumpy coffee cup (a gift from my wife and kids – who know me all too well), I watched as the tablet halves, fizzing and spinning wildly, rapidly diminish in size – spending themselves – dissolved into the water. Such heroic sacrifice for my sore, achy body . . .

I thought of all my running around and spending myself on that which I allow to pack my calendar, thinking that I have to be the one to act, to ensure all goes well. All too often I am just like that tablet – although unaware of my actions that cause serious diminishing of my strength and ability to lead appropriately. Spending ourselves for the sake of the organization and unending needs will not necessarily lead to success; at least the type of success we desire. Not every leader can match the harried pace of some who seem to have limitless energy and stamina to work and run at a breakneck speed (my board chairman comes to mind). Sometimes, it is the measured foward movement of the leader, orchestrating rather than driving the organization, who accomplishes the most.

An end-product, big-picture, visionary leader often has the most problem, as he or she strives to slog through the processes to the point of realizing the goal. It’s the forced downtime that frustrates them the most. I am that person . . . who hopes that this fizzled out concoction does its magic and I get some needed rest and healing . . . who needs to learn to trust more when he lacks control and doesn’t see all the answers. Don’t let your organization’s mission, or other attractive activities, spend you wildly. Get some rest, and trust The Leader of all.

The Return of the Bluff Lady

2010-06-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Sad to see the homeless Bluff lady back at the Lone Sailor. Much outreach has taken place to no lasting avail. Can we sleep while she - and so many more - are out there? On my walk this morning a LB Fire Engine crew stopped to ensure a Bluff Park "camper" was alive and well. She wasn't too appreciative at being awakened, and moved on.

A terrace and a row of bushes house a constant stream of tenants. Many are there by choice, but some no longer have the ability to choose to leave the street. What is our response as a community? Perhaps when we rebuild the Bluff we can add Bluff-side lofts and formalize the present situation, keeping them – and the cats – out of sight.

When it builds up in me I call or e-mail the city-powers-that-be and ask that something be done to (both) get them off the street – sometimes forcibly – as well as to protect the fragile Bluff vegetation that keeps erosion to a minimum. I feel I'm looking out for the quality of life for the homeless person AND the community.

When asked by some, “then where will they go” I answer to the Rescue Mission and the city’s Multi-Service Center where help can be obtained. Then some ask “what if they want to live like that” . . . that, my friend, is a choice – and as I said earlier, some have lost the capacity to make that decision; so the community must make it for them – the court’s past rulings about personal rights notwithstanding (which caused the emptying of institutions).

A community’s actions to the most vulnerable in its midst is the measure of its capacity for compassion and humanity.

VIRUS: I review a CSULB student documentary

2010-05-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

SUMMARY: This CSULB student documentary makes an effort to challenge a city that treats homeless as a virus; it shows heart, but lacks discussion of a realistic fix. I feel it mutes concerned city officials and ministry leaders, limiting a full and realistic hearing – as it may counter the thesis. Police are neutered without the voice of their Quality of Life Team’s heroic efforts. Hopefully, a final edit may correct this vacuum.

VIRUS (2010)
Directed By: Neil Corbin
Produced By: Abina Anthony-Davis
Website: http://virusdocumentary.wordpress.com/
Plot Outline: An experimental documentary chronicling the lives of the homeless in Long Beach, CA, as well as the director's own stints with homelessness.

REVIEW: I was invited to view a student documentary at the art deco Art Theater in Long Beach. Having been one of those interviewed, as was our program director, I was quite hopeful for the outcome. I usually tread carefully when asked to be interviewed on the subject of homelessness; not knowing the angle of the interviewer. But this time I had been impressed with the questions and thoroughness of the videographers. Not being an art or film critic, I hesitate to comment on the technical aspects of a film. Some edits and transitions seemed to lack overlap and continuity – scenes reflective of chronic street and occasional homelessness of a family could be restructured. But these are postmodern times and such dissonance is not necessarily error. Perhaps the view here is that homelessness is dissonant with society. Although feeling it has shortcomings, it definitely has an artistic flavor. Even being a service provider to the homeless myself, its reality brought emotion to me at times.

That short attempt at a review aside, I will comment on what is for me an unfortunate lack in reality. Several persons of the chronic sort of homelessness are interviewed. Those serving this community will recognize them as long-term guests of numerous programs and “targets” of our outreach for over four years – and are ones who fight against assistance that would bring them back into society. Living on the river, under bridges or occasional places of normal habitat, their stories are similar; law enforcement issues, lack of relief, and the implications of their choices. Knowing them, it is hard to feel sorry for them (but I do anyway – just don’t blame it on the city).

Prefaced very appropriately with my narrative of seeing one’s neighbor as potentially homeless, is the story of a family who experienced an off-the-street bout with near-homelessness during a rough patch. Living in their business location kept them from the street. It reminded me of spending close to a year traveling with my family of six in our 1974 VW Camper van as we traveled across the country during our missionary training. No, living like that was not our training; but, as the family in the film, we learned a lot from that time.

A local pastor shares the situation of the homeless sleeping outside his church being harassed by law enforcement and the church being cited by the city. What he doesn’t explain is why he didn’t open his doors to the homeless – and improve the quality of life for both them and the church’s neighborhood.

Clips of city staff, a council person, and ministry staff are merely that – clips . . . which are literally merged into white noise. I know the hearts of these persons and the concern they carry for the need of the homeless people in this city and the efforts to which they extend themselves to meet needs. I know the awesome efforts of the LBPD’s Quality of Life Team over the last three years, as they have tirelessly, and from their heart – and their own pockets – reached out farther than most to see people reconnect with society after decades of being on the street. That story needs to be told – but it would conflict with the director’s thesis.

Yes, indeed; some treat homelessness as a virus – holding these people at arm’s length. But many of us in the community are doing extensive outreach and attempting to develop reciprocal services that will reconcile people back into society. If the issue here is one of personal liberty and the implications of the choice in how one may wish to live – which conflicts with the mission of a city or agency of getting people off the streets – that would be a valiant effort to investigate and expose biases and perceptions of a community attempting normalcy. But this film does not do that. Such as it is, it falls short. However, it gives impetus for thought and consideration as to the humanity of homeless people, as well as drive discussion on what individuals and a community may do in response. For that, I give it a thumbs up.

Note: profanity and simulated drug use.

Pay to Stay: Are “Reciprocal” Services the Answer?

2010-05-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have permission to borrow from Andy Bales’ (URM.org) recent blog and would like your input on this topic . . .

There has been some controversy over guests paying a fee for services, both nearby on Skid Row in Los Angeles and in New York City. The controversy arose when a local group in LA bought a building, and after a few months began offering a cot and a place to sleep for $125.00 per month. Some advocates for people experiencing homelessness cried out about the fee, but also in regards to the fact that only the cot and case management was offered, and that there were no shower services or regular food program to go along with the cot.

In New York City a bigger storm arose over the City of New York carrying out a Client Contribution Program, a pilot program to charge guests with an adequate income a gradually growing fee to both sustain the shelter program and to develop responsible choices among the guests. I have posted the link here:

http://www.villagevoice.com/2007-08-21/news/bloomberg-charges-the-homeless-rent/

“Dusting off an idea dating back to the Giuliani era, the Bloomberg administration has quietly started charging rent to homeless people who stay in emergency city shelters, the Voice has learned. With no fanfare, Bloomberg officials in June began charging residents of at least four Brooklyn shelters up to 30 percent of their income, records obtained by the Voice show. People who don’t pay could be kicked out of the shelter, the documents show.

Eric Deutsch, a spokesman for the Department of Homeless Services, tells the Voice that the so-called Client Contribution Program is a “very small” pilot program for people with a significant amount of income in the shelter. “We’re trying a variety of new strategies to help families and individuals move towards permanency and into their own homes,” he said.

According to Deutsch, the first month at the shelter is free, with fees rising from 10 percent in the second month to 30 percent in the fourth month. Deutsch said the money goes into a pool that “clients” can draw from when they leave the shelter. But shelter residents say a number of people have already refused to pay the rent fee because they can’t afford it, and because the city hasn’t offered any additional rights or benefits in return.”

The Door of Faith Mission in Des Moines, Iowa was established by George Holloway, a man who had a 3rd grade education, spent 37 years on the road without a home, going from shelter to shelter, until he had his life transformed at Union Rescue Mission, I believe. He returned to Des Moines, Iowa, with a philosophy of running mission’s differently. He made it welcoming for the entire day, instead of making people line up at night to come in for a meal and a bed. He fed the men well so they could feel good, go out and work, and get help avoiding the temptations of drugs and alcohol. He required sobriety from those who lived at the Mission because it is difficult to stay sober when surrounded by the site and smell of alcohol.

He required the men to work and pay their own way, because people feel better about themselves when they work, and pay their own way. It affirms their dignity, teaches responsibility, prepares them for paying rent when they move, and it provided 1/3 of the needed income for operating the shelter. The rest of the income came from churches and individuals. The first 3 days were free of charge or paid by the County, subsequently the next 30-day fee was $6.00 per day, then $7.00 per day, and finally $8.00 per day to prepare the men to pay rent.

After reading Robert Lupton’s book, “Compassion, Justice and the Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor”, I feel closer to Holloway’s philosophy than current shelter practices. Doing for people what they can do for themselves is not always the best thing. It is difficult to watch someone stay free, eat free, and irresponsibly fritter away their monthly resources in the first weeks of the month only to be completely broke the rest of the month, while our Mission staff responsibly struggle to make ends meet. Lupton's stand is that we should do nothing that takes away a person's dignity, or the initiative to become all they are meant to be.

I’d like to start a dialogue and get your thoughts on this dilemma. What do you think? Should Mission guests pay a fee to learn responsibility, prepare for paying rent, and help sustain the Mission’s operating costs during such a challenging time? Thanks for weighing in.

Updated LBRM Program Descriptions

2010-04-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

Feeding the Hungry: Helping make Long Beach A Better Place for All

An empty stomach can be the start of despair and spell the end of hope. Fortunately, in a typical year our kitchen serves over 187,000 meals to hungry men, women and children in the Greater Long Beach area on the following schedule:

Breakfast: Residents and overnights guests only (no walk-ins), Monday-Friday, and the public every other Sunday.
Lunch: Open to the public, Mon-Fri, served at 12 noon, and Sundays for those joining us for chapel service at 10:30.
Dinner: Open to the public, served at 6pm, 7 days a week

SHELTER PROGRAMS
With the homeless population in the Greater Long Beach Area rising every year, more than 120 each day now seek refuge and hope at our Samaritan House shelter for men, where we offer the following services:

SAMARITAN HOUSE
Walk-in guests are offered a bed for seven days, along with showers, food, clothing, counseling, care and spiritual support. Assisted care is not provided in any program. Continuing Guests in are strongly encouraged to take advantage of 30- to 90-day Case Management care – a mandatory accountability-based program that provides a safe harbor in order to get back on their feet, and begin their journey into a self-sufficient life.

LYDIA HOUSE
It’s a little-known fact that between 40 to 45% of the homeless in our community are women and children. And that number is growing. This is precisely why Lydia House is such an important part of Long Beach Rescue Mission. Providing shelter, solace and hope in the face of abuse, addiction or financial problems, Lydia House provides 45 beds for at-risk women and children, along with physical, emotional and spiritual support in a safe, family-oriented environment. To care for this most vulnerable segment of our society we offer both our 30- to 90-day Case Management Program and a year-long New Life Program. Domestic violence cases are referred to appropriate agencies.

New Life Program: Offering a long-term approach towards transforming the "whole person," this year-long program involves intensive counseling with a chaplain and case manager, a biblically-based 12-step program, educational services, as well as work therapy and potential vocational training.

Bridge Program: Alternative part/time internships, continued education, and extended residential support provides further assistance to graduates for their successful adaptation to society and long-term recovery.

For services or to refer a friend: (562) 592-1292

a new paradigm for compassion?

2010-03-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

While I was watching CSPAN "debates" Sunday, i was also reading "Compassion, Justice & the Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor" by Robert Lupton. The stark contrast of the arguments moves me to reconsider how I view compassion. I agree with Lupton, that we need to temper what we do to help others by not taking away the initiative and pride of those actually able to help themselves . . .

Truly loving one's neighbor may mean asking them to take part in some way for that assistance. This could revolutionize community service. The “chicken in every pot” mentality may become destructive to the human spirit. In addition, agencies seeking to help others need to rethink personal and community quality of life issues on a higher level. I see a new paradigm approaching.

homeless in more ways than one . . .

2010-03-18T23:31:00.000-07:00

We see them every day. Frightened. Hungry. Lost.

Men, women and children who need so much more than the physical comfort of a hot meal or a safe place to sleep. Many believe that God has abandoned them – given up on them because they’ve made too many wrong choices or ignored His voice for too long.

You and I know better. We know the promise Jesus makes to us all, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” We know that through His death and resurrection, which we will celebrate in just a few weeks, that He has already prepared a place of eternal shelter for us in His Father’s house!

Your partnership with Long Beach Rescue Mission enables us to share this message of hope through our programs with those who come to us in need; to help them build a firm foundation in Jesus Christ that will enable them to prosper spiritually as well as physically and be “homeless” no longer.

Thank you for serving with us.

An Opaque Existence

2010-01-23T10:14:00.000-08:00

Renting a house on the Bluff gives one a regular front row seat to the myriad styles of life passing by and the seasons that ebb and flow as the tide just beyond – off to the horizon and Catalina. To many that island is merely a symbol of an unseen, yet known existence just beyond reach of the mainland and our daily life. The expanse separates us, save for a deliberate choice to board a ferry to enjoy what the idyllic village of Avalon can provide – at least for a day.

Framing that view each day (except when that view is clouded by an opaque film of smog or clouds) is the Bluff’s edge. A walking path provides a constant stream of people – biking (people keep ignoring or stealing the No Bikes signage), running, striding, or strolling, alone or hand-in-hand with a loved one. But hidden from sight is an environment concealing groups of people and felines – both could be considered feral in nature and by their habits. Both are sustained by those who, through their kindness, unknowingly enable that very nature. This assistance may give solace to the ones providing the hand-outs, but it is also destroying the very habitat that they enjoy . . . the Bluff itself.

A full, thick row of bushes on the Bluff at Molino is almost gone now, slowly battered down from the traffic of feet climbing over the railing into the bushes to “care” for the cats, as well as from several homeless people camped there.
I have tried to get the city to deal with the feral cats – which can bring disease, and aggravate their domesticated brethren in our yards. I have also breached the people’s space on occasion to discuss shelter and long-term assistance getting off the street, without success. It’s the same between Temple and Redondo; plants and foliage now barely existent due to other homeless camping along the reinforcing wall ledges. I see them daily hauling their stuff and bicycles over the railing even in the rain and wind. I see the cats prowling along the walk looking for food that is delivered regularly.

The week’s downpours have reminded me that the Bluff is quickly eroding, as are the lives of the cats and people who are allowed to remain on the street without hope or a future. Both the Bluff and Lives are literally at a precipice. I have even gone as far as reporting the situation to law enforcement and the parks and rec department, trying to help both life and the Bluff.

Is there no hope for either the lives or the habitat? Or will we just advocate for the cats' right to flourish wherever they wish, ignoring the disease and overpopulation? Will we continue to enable a homeless existence by our so-called help and just turn our eyes away from the despair?

If you want to change something for the better, stop advocating for what enables the situation . . . rather, enable those who can actually provide assistance and a hand up. Help people make the choice that leads to more than what is merely an opaque existence, but to that which fully embraces life.

"It's a Wonderful Life"

2009-12-25T08:41:00.000-08:00

As I enjoy viewing the sunrise from the bluff, the calm sea, a clear-blue sky, and orange haze hovering over the port belies the time of year (well, at least for those not used to our Southern California Christmases). However, events of the past week—personal issues, a cancelled trip to Israel and multiple illnesses—have been all too reminiscent of seasons of uncertainty for me . . . but have also brought—as the lyrics announce—comfort and joy. The numerous events the Mission involves itself help so many and bring joy and smiles to those in need. However, this Christmas week (as it often does) has supplied mixed emotions for me, as I am no stranger to melancholy; a symptom for many whose life-experiences and memories (or the lack of them) may not allow the happiness of the season to permeate their present psyche.

While preparing to speak to the men in our New Life Program—a one-year residential rehab program—I reviewed a book and articles on being an adult child of an alcoholic, or ACA, as it’s commonly termed. I made notes about the all-too-common feelings of inadequacies; the uncertainty of what normal is; the emptiness from a lack of established family traditions . . . the list goes on. It was interesting that several articles listed serving at a homeless shelter as one of the healing activities for this season. I recalled a past Christmas after my mother-in-law passed away, when our family decided to help serve meals at Martha’s Village & Kitchen in Indio, CA, near our home in Palm Desert (not knowing that the first Rescue Mission that I would lead a few years later was located a few blocks away). We also returned for a time to the more liturgical denomination of my wife’s youth; we both sought the quiet and reverence of the worship tradition we had growing up and that reminded us of her mom, Pat.

But instead of sharing the more clinical realities of our common issues and a few helpful solutions to the feelings this season bring, I was led to share glimpses of my own life-history and dysfunctions. I wept as I told of the pain and brokenness that made up much of my youth, and memories which continue to visit me occasionally. I shared about how the movie, "It’s a Wonderful Life” has been a seasonal encouragement for me, as it shows the power of prayer and unrealized friendships; that life with all its grief, no matter how difficult, is still worth living.

Two verses from the Bible came to me as well . . . Isaiah 53:3: “He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.”

Because Christ knew grief, I can embrace my own and allow Him to bear it along with His—which is what He came to this earth to do for me. But it didn’t end there, as 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 encourages us, “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment!”

As the men began to recognize me as a fellow sufferer of grief, they also saw the reconciliation and leadership that God brought out of my life experiences and into a place of service to them and others who are in need of the same reconciliation that I had become so desperate for. Additionally, that it is okay to grieve, but they have a family here at the Mission to grieve with them and to help bear them up . . .

Would you, like the men and women in our New Life Program, allow God’s love, His gift of Christ, and the family or community that now surrounds you, embrace you with peace and grace—at this time and always. Have a Blessed Christmas!

My To-Do List For Winter Shelter

2009-12-12T08:42:00.001-08:00

-Complete 1" thick detailed Request for Proposal
-Compile budget
-Contact city and county for available properties
-Search for vacant warehouses
-Locate vacant properties
-Evaluate locations
-Contact brokers/owners
-Do walk throughs
-Check with community
-Get call from newspaper
-Check with city council person
-Check with police
-Repeat list several times
-Meet with LAHSA in LA
-Have budget decreased, move site to LA city
-Repeat above in Wilmington and Harbor City
-Call LA Councilwoman, Wilmington Police Captain
-Get notice of site visits conflicting with my schedule
-Repeat list again, making numerous site visits
-Field numerous calls asking why this is taking so long
-Calculate capabilities with reduced budget
-Withdraw from contract
-Get call from County Supervisor who found more funding
-Repeat above list again
-Get call from newspaper
-Get Signal Hill councilman's help for potential sites
-Find several potential, suitable sites
-Try to get councilperson's approval
-Have meeting on 14th floor (City Hall)
-Get another councilman's approval
-Get on council agenda
-Get shelter emergency zoning waiver
-Get call from LAHSA - "someone died in Riverside"
-Get call from newspaper
-Complete detailed LAHSA contract
-Get sub-lease from city
-Get keys
-Field complaints about the site location
-Field calls - "a storm is coming"
-Have walk-through with staff
-Get additional insurance coverage
-Field calls - "It's getting cold, you know"
-Get bidding and agreements for:
oBus transportation
oLaundry services
oPortaPotties
oMotel and Restaurant (for family vouchers)
oEmployment agency
-Have fire and building inspections
-Meet residential code requirements
-Detail required alterations
-Get calls - "It's cold"
-Draw floor plans and alterations
-Get permits for temporary alterations
-Hire contractor
-Hire electrician
-Rent custom ADA ramps
-Make alterations for egress
-Install emergency and egress lighting
-Install fire extinguishers
-Install smoke detectors
-Get calls - "it's raining tomorrow"
-Deliver blankets to rainy day shelter
-Have re-inspected
-Make amended alterations
-Have re-inspection
-Get official occupancy permit for # of beds
-Hire 30 people
-Set up case manager at MSC
-Have training meetings
-Order staff supplies/uniforms
-Rent porta-toilets
-Rent tables and chairs
-Get calls - "don't you know it's raining?"
-Order food and supplies
-Rent truck to pick up cots and blankets in LA
-Set up cots (return/replace many broken ones)
-Ramp up staffing schedules
-Have staff attend mandatory training sessions
-Finalize contract
-Provide certificates of insurance
-Schedule opening night
-Prepare daily and monthly reports and invoices
-Extend staffing for rainy day operations
-Field client complaints: too cold, no TV, hate food
-Prepare for audit of last year's shelter program
-Keep funding and running LBRM’s own 24/7/365 shelter and rehab programs...
-Try to get seminary course assignments done on time
-Read negative blogs and comment posts about me
-Sit and watch the rain and temperature fall, thinking about the homeless living on the bluff, in the park, along the river, about the person who died in Riverside . . . try to fall asleep .
-Thinking about preparing to repeat the above all over again
-Have head examined
-As Yogi Berra said: “It’s déjà vu all over again”

Making a Real Difference

2009-11-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

As the weather cools and the holidays draw near, more people like Rosie* will be coming to Long Beach Rescue Mission for food and shelter. We love that, because it means more opportunities to make real changes in their lives through our New Life Program and Lydia House.

Not everyone is ready to take that step. But for those who are willing to let God work in their lives, our door is always open.

Some have a real passion for change – you can see it in their eyes. We believe that spark is the presence of God; a God who has always been with them, regardless of how desperate their lives have become and a God who will continue to stand by them and strengthen them as they take the difficult steps necessary to overcome the problems that brought them to us.

We thank you for standing by them, too. Your support makes a real difference in the lives of those in need.

* Read Rosie's Story: www.lbrm.org

Alternatives for Homeless Tent and Camping Sites Renewed

2009-09-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

http://crosscut.com/2009/09/16/social-services/19124/

Recalling stories from my grandfather, who lived through the depression, this article brings back interesting ideas for how to provide alternatives to those who desire to bypass shelters and remain independent during the multi-faceted crisis in which we find ourselves. Of course, society was kinder, gentler, safer, and much less fearful than we are today. Picking up hitchhikers and feeding transients on the back steps was the norm.

Today, safety is an increasing issue, as is the myriad of issues that cause homelessness -- especially addiction and domestic violence. Some would decry these temporary attempts at bridging the housing gap, but housing is merely one of many elements involved in homelessness.

For those who are in need of transition, or for the transient traveler, we should not turn a blind eye to the possibilities for which we can make a difference in people’s lives. Are there risks? Yes, especially if the alternatives include enabling people to stay on the street by choice rather than seek the many outlets available for help.

Is there any one best method to meet these needs? No, as the causes are as numerous as the people themselves. So, when we see occasional vacancy at some shelters while visibly more people choose to be on the streets, and an inability for cities to enforce vagrancy laws, we wonder what are the available options.

I hope that service providers, city, county, public, and private stakeholders can come together to brainstorm successful solutions to the homeless and at risk of homelessness. It is our responsibility to care for those who are in need – and the solutions will look as varied as the people we help.

Homeless . . . Victim or Villain?

2009-09-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

With yet another article on a city's legal issues vs. the homeless, I get even more annoyed at those who champion the cause of the homeless, while ignoring the rights of the community and business owners. The story is a familiar one and has evolved into the targeting of a law enforcement official in Los Angeles . . . a homeless man named Jimmy vs. a city attorney working for the public and businesses . . . to read about it:

http://www.laweekly.com/2009-07-30/news/jimmy-on-the-edge-of-town/

Various blogs relating to it are full of vitriol against everyone except Jimmy . . . I won't bother posting the links.

If Jimmy truly wanted to be helped he would leave the street, come into one of the Mission shelters and get help – but it is clear that the only help that is being sought is to live upon the rights and property of others. Why are those who aggressively work to get people off the streets the villains? Why can't more service providers and the so-called homeless "advocates" see that there is need for balance between quality of life issues for the whole community and allowing "freedom" for people to choose to be on the streets – where they happen to impose on the rights of business and property owners? It is governments' duty to ensure the rights and quality of life for all, and discipline those who ignore the rights of those they trample upon.

As the CEO of a Rescue Mission, I seek true reconciliation for those in need . . . not enablement to live off others and remain on the streets. Shame on those who trumpet the “rights” of homeless to ignore the law, property rights, and civic duty . . . while leaving them on the streets. Even the Good Samaritan took the man off the street. Charity without responsibility is noble but incomplete. Give people a hand up – not just a hand out.

The Faceless Homeless

2009-07-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

Thursday’s LB Press Telegram front page above-the-fold headline told the wrong story. Last week a team of volunteers was surveying the chronic street-bound homeless to identify the most at risk of dying on the street. The headline said that effort was giving the homeless a face and finding ways to help them. But their face is already all too visible, all too often, in our parks, alleys, storefronts, and street corners . . . these faces are the fuel for the NIMBYism that hinders our ability to provide critically needed services. Help is already there in our shelters and public services, if they would only choose to accept it.

What the public does not see, but needs to see, is the face of the homeless who wants help . . . those who have not made a choice to be on the street of their own accord – as many of those surveyed have chosen. The impetus for the survey is humane, as well as economic at its core: identifying the most at risk and providing keys to housing and intense case-management will save the city, county and service provider critical funds that are expended treating a homeless person in the last months of life on the street. Police, EMT and hospital emergency rooms are major costs that can be indentified and redirected to preventative care and housing, which will cost less in the long run.

But what of the homeless we don’t see – those whose face is unseen? Those who are at-risk of becoming chronic homeless on our streets, in our hospitals, jails, and parks? Federal funding is now focused primarily on the chronic homeless rather than stemming the tide of those at risk of being on the streets. Our local homeless shelters provide a critical refuge from the street – or a detour on the way to the street – and provide needed services for life-change. These actually hide those faces from public view. But these faces are the ones who need to be seen, as these are people who are reaching out for help, taking advantage of services, getting physical, emotional and spiritual help changing their lives for the better. But due to NIMBYism, there are not enough beds for the current or future need. Although we can easily fund and staff more beds and services, we can’t find the political capital or public will to make the choice for expanding current, or locating new facilities.

While I serve on the task force and support this housing-first initiative as one of many weapons in our arsenal to fight homelessness, it is a last-ditch effort to stem the costs, and we cannot forget that these people were once like you and me; people with families, friends and careers, whose lives have spun out of control, oftentimes overcome by addictions and mental illness. The challenge for us is to treat the issue on both ends . . . those at-risk of dying on the street, and those at-risk of reaching the same street and the identical outcome. Let’s make sure we see the many faces of those already reaching out for help in our shelter programs – and those that would, if there were only more room in the inn. These faces don’t need our NIMBYism, they need our help and compassion.

Life Graduations

2009-06-17T18:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the absence of updates, but life is just so busy . . . most of my writing lately has been for my Masters program at Fuller Seminary.

So much has gone on since my last post, but one thing that stands out is our last New Life Program graduation service. Four outstanding men had finished their one-year program and they were receiving their diplomas. It’s always a special event and this one was no exception. These guys had given their all and were at the finish line. We were so proud of them – and of the much revamped program that they were the first-fruits of.

Each of the three spoke during the ceremony, and it’s always a treat to hear what the program meant to them. One guy, Jay (who was on the cover of our last newsletter) had us in stitches as he shared about the other guys; he was a regular standup comedian. But then he took us to tears as he shared about what had gone on in his own life.

This was no regular graduation where our kids finished a course of education and move on to the next step . . . I've been through four high school graduations and three undergraduate degree graduation of my kids, so I know how it feels and how proud their mother and I are for their success. This graduation was an amazing Life Graduation . . . these guys overcame serious issues and completed a course of study and work that most of us can't fathom. They have graduated into a new phase of life – reconciled to God, with themselves, family, and now to society. I am as proud of them as my own kids . . . and am blessed to have a small part in these Life Graduations.

Thank you for being a part of it all.

Lifting the Fog

2009-01-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

Living in the desert for 13 years you get used to sunshine and blue sky 360 days a year. The other 5 days clouds finally have enough mass or altitude to surmount the San Jacinto, Santa Rosa and San Bernardino Mountains that encompass the Coachella Valley. One's view of life can become a bit unrealistic given the constant clarity of the days and nights – where every detail of one's surroundings is un-obscured. The night stars are still so bright that those understanding celestial navigation would never lose their way.

Living on the coast, however, one's view is often clouded by an opaque canvas of clouds and fog. Leslie and I have found this affects how we feel, and we have come to appreciate each clear day; Catalina has now become our gauge of clarity as we measure the ability to see shades of the island as we did our mountain ranges. Standing outside the Mission one evening, I watched as a wall of heavy fog slowly made its way up Pacific Avenue; it was an eerie sight, and conjured up thoughts of obscurity. It was an almost suffocating feeling as was the closeness of the city itself that had caused me some initial claustrophobia when I first arrived here.

As on July Fourth, we hoped to sit on our lawn and enjoy a front row seat for the New Year’s midnight fireworks off the Queen Mary (one of the perks of renting a house on Ocean Blvd.). But our enthusiasm was dampened by the thick blanket of fog that had crawled in and had no intention of lifting. At the appointed time we could hear the explosions, but could see nothing – only a few diffused flashes (definitely not a Francis Scott Key moment).

It is interesting to me how many of these elements provide pictures of the homeless we minister to at the Mission. Most of us develop tools to deal with change in the weather and in our lives. We realize that in the occasional fog reality exists. We know the clouds will ultimately clear, that the sunny day is not a constant, that the issues life throws at us can be dealt with given enough time and relationships with those around us – and through faith. But what of those who have lost that ability to deal with the fog, have an overwhelming feeling of obscurity, living a life wherein addictions provide a constant veil – a life now void of relationships and faith? We can't ship them all off to the sunny desert; that wouldn't solve their problem (no matter how many would like to ship the homeless off somewhere out of sight).

What we can do is help them see that there is a tomorrow without clouds and fog; that, like seasons, cycles in nature and life are healthy and inevitable; they can be understood, prepared for, and the cycle of destructive behavior broken. We can help them take advantage of the occasional clear day and see that there is hope in tomorrow and in having faith – faith in God, in themselves, in relationships and society.

Thank you for helping us help people hope.

Christmas Blessings

2008-12-25T12:23:00.001-08:00

A week of Christmas events is now behind us; hundreds of men, women, and children have been blessed with meals and gifts . . . and the smiles and a touch from our donors and volunteers. It’s amazing how Christmas provides impetus for people to give, and give, and give . . .

As co-sponsor of the Christmas Gift Store at the 1st Congregational Church, the Mission joined forces with Better Balance for Long Beach, Long Beach First Lady Nancy Foster, and a band of volunteer elves in providing 500 families an opportunity to “buy” gifts for their kids, siblings, and parents.

Two years ago we separated the Mission’s Stocking Gift program from the meal event as both the growing number of people volunteering and those coming for meals and gifts were too much to handle at one time. We then split our Thanksgiving and Christmas meals into two-day events (mostly to accommodate more opportunities for our growing number of volunteers) which bless hundreds more people. We even have to employ a volunteer coordinator to facilitate the hundreds of people who desire to help at each event. She has a tough time getting volunteers to come for just a one-hour shift, as their heart’s desire is to spend all day at the Mission.

Local companies and community leaders call, seeking an opportunity to volunteer at our gift and meal events – to give to the less fortunate, the disadvantaged, and the homeless. It is a bit stressful to attempt to accommodate every request, and my mind was tired as I tried to think of how to honor a request from our local bank CEO. We had already filled all the volunteer shifts at our Stocking Giveaway, our two-day meal events, had each family covered in our Lydia House shelter for women and children . . . what else could we offer? I thought of someone who had recently asked about how we measure success and remembered that we DO have success stories – those who we are able to help reconcile back into society. We were able to contact six single mother families – alumnae of Lydia House – and have them come and receive gifts and dinner that were supplied by the CEO’s children. It was nice to see such leadership in a bank executive with his children as he helped them see what giving back really means – up close and personal.

We were in the midst of our Christmas Eve-eve dinner meal Tuesday when a 27 foot U-Haul drove up to our rear gate. It was loaded with pallets of turkeys, meats, and dry goods. I was almost speechless. Our food service director wasn’t though – he said that this was the largest single donation in his 22 years at the Mission. A company executive had heard about the Mission from his attorney and he rented the truck to fill it with needed items that will serve us well into 2009. This was like the proverbial “icing on the cake” to a holiday season full of giving and blessings from our supporters.

With all that now finished, at my dining room table over some oatmeal this morning I was watching the waves splashing over the breakwater and saw how that controversial wall of rocks provides a calm harbor for cargo ships, sailboats, oil islands, and protects our shoreline from the often tumultuous waves. That's a good picture of what we provide to the street weary men and women and at-risk families through our facilities, services and programs. That is what all those volunteers and donors provide to those coming through our doors . . . a safe harbor to rest and refresh from the cold, wet, and sometimes harsh human element of the street-life; a calm environment in which to consider the possibility and gift of a changed life.

Amanda (my eldest daughter), who helps run the Winter Shelter just called asking if she can order a bunch of pizzas for the 75 or so homeless taking refuge there during this rainy Christmas day. She's like that – wanting to give a little more than expected. My youngest daughter, Molly, interrupted my blogging to ask if we can light up the fireplace. I think a fire and a warm cup of cocoa would be nice right now.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and those least among us.
God Bless you & Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving?

2008-11-27T20:51:00.000-08:00

“Happy Thanksgiving!” came the greeting. “Ditto”, I replied. Aaron laughed. “I don’t do holidays,” I stated flatly. “What?” . . . Aaron Mascaro, one of our chaplains looked like he couldn’t make up his mind if I was serious or not, as I often have some ready comebacks to my staff. I explained to him that I don’t handle holidays well; perhaps due to the dysfunction of my childhood that feeling of loss is compounded at the holidays.

That’s the way it is for many people like me, and especially for those we were serving the past two days at the Long Beach Rescue Mission. Hundreds of people – homeless, needy, neighborhood families, those who are hurting and hungry for whatever reason – come through our doors for a free meal and a feeling of family for a few moments over a Thanksgiving meal. Perhaps some of the numerous volunteers are here for the same reason – a lack of family – or if they’re lucky, to share their lives with others, and to show their children what serving and true thanksgiving is really all about.

Maybe that’s why I work at the Mission . . . because I know what it’s like to have loss, and I desire to share with others that which I didn’t have. My life has not reached the depths of loss of many of those we serve who come off the streets; but that’s only because I made different choices along the way and have had a wife and children who give me stability, and a relationship of faith through Jesus Christ. Otherwise, I would be on the other side of the doorway coming in for help rather than providing it.

Later this morning, as we watched people enjoying their Thanksgiving breakfast, Aaron shared an article he had read and used in his message to our guests last night at the Thanksgiving eve dinner. It was about the myth of Thanksgiving as a family holiday . . . I didn’t know where he was going with that, so I held my voice and left him finish. He said it was a community event, not a private family event as we know it today. The pilgrims – as a community – were giving thanks for their native friends who had showed them the proper crops to plant and desired to share with them the bounty God had provided through the friendship of that community.

As Aaron shared this, I looked around the dining room and let it soak into my heart . . . community is what we celebrate; it is what draws us to share our bounty with others and reach out to the least, the last, and the lost of our neighborhood and city streets. It is in this community that our personal loss and dysfunction is melted away as we join with others in serving, being served, and becoming part of a much larger family. Sure we have issues to deal with – as did the pilgrims – but as they had, we too have a larger family of community. So whether in our serving or receiving, we are blessed through those who desire to celebrate what God has provided through our community and into our lives.

I pondered this on my way home to my family . . . maybe I can do holidays after all.

Address to City Council on Winter Shelter

2008-11-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

My Name is Jim Lewis; I am chief executive officer of the Long Beach Rescue Mission whose Admin Office is located at 1430 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, 90813. We are also the contract agent for the LAHSA SPA8 Winter Shelter for the third year.

As most of you know, I am committed to limit the site of a seasonal shelter to one that has approval of the City and Law Enforcement, with a formal occupancy permit. In addition to researching Long Beach city-owned or leased properties for consideration as sites, I looked within surrounding cities and unincorporated county properties within the SPA 8 Area.

The process locating an appropriate site for this shelter program is a difficult one. While seeking access to any possible publicly owned property, one is left with privately owned sites; getting past brokers to an owner is just about impossible, and then getting an owner to consider a shelter use is mostly an insurmountable challenge. Getting subsequent approval of the councilperson of the related district is an even higher bar to overcome – especially when only a few of you are even willing to consider such a request in your district.

As no zoning now exists for shelters by right – or even an Administrative Use Permit, any site requires the process we address tonight, that of declaring a shelter emergency and waiving zoning. I would like to take this opportunity to clarify a recent PT article which misquoted me in saying the city needs a permanent year-round shelter – it already has several, and the Long Beach Rescue Mission is committed to providing a hand-up to those desiring a better life. Although additional beds are critically needed, what I stated to the reporter was that we need a permanent site for this winter shelter. If city agencies and the public work together, I believe a collaborative multi-use facility is feasible.

I am extending my commitment for the third year: . . . that of providing quality management for this program including strict mitigation of any negative issues surrounding the program. I will work hard to deserve your continued trust as we endeavor to provide a successful Winter Shelter program – thereby creating a safe environment for our city’s homeless to stay overnight, be fed, and offered a hand-up out of their situation and assist them in seeking a better quality of life.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve this city.

Open Letter on Winter Shelter SIte Delay

2008-01-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Roberta:

I am responding to your e-mail while I am at the site of the possible winter shelter we are in the midst of preparing for city council and occupancy approval next week.

As your reading of recent news articles has frustrated you and caused some concern, I have also been frustrated at the recent coverage as some of the facts don’t seem to be getting explained – I have spoken to four different reporters who, like the blind men ‘looking’ at the elephant, each get different pictures of what it is like. I previously asked a reporter not to report on the PAL site too soon, noting the emotional issues related to it and critical need of the shelter site, but they did anyway and it was killed before we got even a slight a chance to get it approved. As everyone is aware, NIMBYism is alive and well whenever homeless issues come up.

The Long Beach Rescue Mission (LBRM) is the contract manager for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Shelter Program 8 area of which Long Beach is the major demographic. We operated this program last year with no complaints or issues - but it was a building the city supplied at the request of Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal. It is actually LBRM’s (not the city’s) job to locate a site and apply for approval from zoning, building and fire officials, provide insurance, meals, security, transportation and staffing. It is my commitment and belief that it is imperative to work closely with the city to create a successful program; this means locating an appropriate site that the city staff, council, fire, law enforcement and community approve of it in collaboration with each other.

I have been looking for a site for over four months – which is an arduous process – if you can even get a land owner to return your calls once they know it is for a shelter program. A major issue is that Long Beach does not have any zoning that allows shelters without a conditional use permit (CUP). Acquiring a CUP is a long and arduous process, including multiple public hearings – onerous for a short-term program such as the winter shelter. Due to the critical nature of the issue, the state allows a city to declare a shelter emergency and waive zoning on property they own or control. That property can then be leased to LBRM to operate. By its very nature, even if a site were to be located early, this process must take place at the last hour. I have explained this process in depth to reporters covering the winter shelter, but it has yet to get properly explained. Also, contrary to what some of the articles may imply, the city of Long Beach and every related department have been totally supportive and very involved in this program; due to the nature of any homeless program, we can’t always divulge details until we have something confirmed on which to take action.

We also have been pressured by other agencies to operate at sites that were used in the past; some of these sites having never formally been approved by the city. Due to the enormous liability issues we can't do what other contractors did in the past. One site that was used to house over 130 people can legally only house about 55, given approved fire codes. I am not sure how this was done in the past as we are required by our LAHSA contract to be approved by codes and provide for extensive insurance coverage – which requires following codes.

As to your concern that LBRM may have received operational funds for this shelter program and may be using them on other programs, I must clarify that we have NOT received ANY funds, nor do we have budgeted funds for this program. We are reimbursed by LAHSA after the fact per a detailed budget and invoice process. We have requested an advance of funds, but until that is received LBRM has advanced the funds out of our own operations needed to get a shelter site prepared. It would be illegal and highly unethical to misdirect designated funds for projects not intended by the funder. Please know that we hold your donations in highest regard and thank you for your continued trust.

Lastly, even with the colder weather and a few days of rain, LBRM’s Samaritan House for men averages a 10-15 percent vacancy – another fact that I have tried to get reported. Due to this, we have instituted a new program with the city's Multi-Service Homeless Center to take any man in their case management program into our shelter with no questions and no requirements . . . so, as you see, there is an option for those wanting a bed, meal and shower. With the help of the city’s Health Department we were also able to get additional LAHSA funding approved for motel and meal vouchers for families and critical need individuals which we have been issuing for two weeks now.

We are praying for and working hard toward an approval of our site at Tuesday's council meeting and to open soon after when its occupancy is approved by building and fire.

Thank you for your concern, communication, and support. (* Roberta is a pseudonym)

Doing the Good Samaritan Thing?

2007-02-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

Some recent letters regarding the homeless and views they advocated toward the homeless have disturbed me. The plight of openly chronic homeless in Long Beach has regularly been in the news and in the opinion section. Those addressed as homeless are not necessarily representative of the growing population of the homeless, but are getting the bulk of the coverage.

This coverage which exacerbates the negative image of the homeless helps me understand the apprehension of the public whose only perception of the homeless are the chronically addicted lying around in neighborhood parks and on church steps, panhandlers accosting downtown shoppers, and street people with signs, “Will Work For Food.”

These articles and letters, however, expose naïve and simplistic views. Those reflected in the news are not the picture of homeless that we see coming in off the street into our residential programs. The growing homeless, or near-homeless, population is made up of men, women, and families who, without our help, would otherwise quickly become homeless statistics as those we read about.

A young mother loses her job, can’t pay the rent, and is told to vacate her apartment without notice; she packs some clothes and takes the hands of her two toddlers and walks to the Mission.

A successful CPA falls into alcoholism and is brought to the Mission by a pastor friend and finds spiritual recovery.

A man with several warrants is found to be a participant in the Mission’s New Life Program, goes before a judge and is remanded to the program; the judgments are dismissed upon his completion of the program and his subsequent gainful employment.

A young man who finally desires a life free from drugs, successfully completes the Mission’s New Life Program, finds gainful employment, is reunited with his wife, and they regain custody of their children from foster care.

A young woman caught in addiction graduates from the women’s program; after 13 years of successful executive employment she returns to provide case management at the Mission.

These are actual cases involving successful clients in the Missions I have worked with. In October, Long Beach Rescue Mission contributed to an annual Snapshot Survey with 300 other Missions across the country. The results indicate that 80% of our clients are long term residents of the area; 38% have been homeless less than one year; 28% have never before been homeless; and 45% are chronic (have been homeless more than two or three times); and 93% prefer the spiritual emphasis of our programs.

The average American family is only three paychecks away from homelessness. Women and children make up 27% of the growing homeless population in Los Angeles County; of those, 64% are children. According to the last census, almost 50% of the homeless in Long Beach are families (most of which are in shelters), and children make up 66% of that number. Lydia House, our women and family shelter, currently has 9 families with 20 children living there. Our long term residential programs have more than doubled in the last few months, and we are planning on taking emergency overnight beds to make more program beds. These statistics paint a vastly different picture than the recent letters portray and most of the public perceive the homeless to be.

The current discussion of the homeless sleeping outside on the steps of a local church greatly disturbs me. Can people really be willing to pay a $1000 a day fine rather than hire staff to bring the homeless inside out of the cold – or take them a few blocks to the shelter pick up site? Are we really that against a city wanting to take homeless off the street when there are available beds? We as a society have a responsibility to act accordingly when others can’t or refuse to act on their own behalf; and those sleeping on the street need us to step up to the plate.

The Multi Service Center and other agency programs are doing a great job providing a hand-up to those who seek it out. But daily support services will be meaningless for many homeless if they have nowhere to sleep, bathe, get clean clothes, and prepare for work. Close proximity to jobs, public transportation, and other support agencies is critical for those desperately wanting to break the cycle they have found themselves in. We need to be ready with a safety net and effective solutions for those who will wind up homeless statistics without such support.

Even the Good Samaritan took the beaten man to a shelter.

A Measured Response to Poverty and Need

2006-03-24T17:05:00.000-08:00

“ . . . for man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty.” – John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address Jan 8, 1961.

Capitalistic business practices have been considered both the cause and the cure for our nation’s poor. Peter L. Berger stated in The Capitalist Revolution: “The early period of industrial capitalism in England, and probably the other Western countries, exacted considerable human costs, if not the actual decline in material living standards then in social and cultural dislocation.”

Although industrialism saw great strides in personal and national wealth, the cost was admittedly paid by the most fragile of society. However, many of those who benefited the most from that era were also those who planted the seeds of the modern philanthropic effort.

“I believe in living wages – I do not believe in charity. I believe we should all be producers.” So declared automaker Henry Ford in 1924. Ford routinely hired the disabled; in 1919 nearly 20 percent of his workforce had some form of disability. He made positions available to those others considered hopeless and assisted them to become productive.

His view of charitable organizations was that they tended to be just “repair stations” along side of “broken tracks.” To him the thought of just giving to the poor without “fixing the broken track” was irresponsible.

At 33 years of age, industrialist Andrew Carnegie’s goal was to live on a minimal amount of his income and give the remainder for benevolent purposes – “Beyond this never earn, make no effort to increase fortune, but spend the surplus each year for benevolent purposes.” He thought it a disgrace for one to die rich.

What lessons can we learn from these successful philanthropic industrialists?

In the recent past, several area businessmen have contacted me for counsel – they were attempting to help individuals they had met through their respective homeless situations. Like Ford and Carnegie, they both wanted to assist the needy through to successful self-directed living – by giving “a hand up”; they were not satisfied to just give them an easy hand-out.

I initially warned both that they needed to watch out that their heart did not get bruised as they allowed themselves to reach out and get deeply involved with another person’s life situation. Many times, even those of us in our type of service agency get drawn-in by the most fervent of appeals by those in need – and later discover a sham. I was impressed at the effort and funds these men expended in an attempt at reconciling these needy back to the community.

In Long Beach, we have our share of homeless and needy men, women, and families. It is the Rescue Mission’s goal to identify those who desire and are ready for outside influence in their life situations. That desire is as important to us as it is to the lifeguard who waits for the precise moment to safely reach out and grab someone drowning. Grasping a moment too early – before someone has given up – can lead to drastic results; giving the wrong kind of help can be as harmful – for both parties.

It is the ethical man’s desire to help others in need, especially when it confronts them head-on – as with the businessmen who contacted me. But what is our responsibility to others? How much of our resources can we put into solving the problems around us? And what of the larger issues facing the world?

As Carnegie, I believe that after providing for the needs of our family, we are to look out for the interests of others. Self, family, local communities and agencies, and then, only if all else fails, the government . . . the line of responsibility must begin at the local level, not from the federal. All elements of society must be brought to bear on issues not readily attainable at the local level.

At the Long Beach Rescue Mission, we endeavor to serve the needs of the needy through the partnership of individuals, churches, businesses, and local agencies. We attempt to match the needs of people first to family members – sometimes supplying bus fare to get back to a supportive family network. Next, we turn to local non-government organizations (NGO’s) and then, if necessary, to county and state agencies.

Following a course that initially includes related family members is difficult, as the needy have many issues to deal with and pride gets in the way. In many cases, the needy have worn their family out or burned the bridges behind them. A few years ago, I spoke with a retired Army Paratrooper who served in Vietnam. He had hip problems and ‘lived’ in a nearby lot on a discarded mattress. He somehow acquired a wheelchair, in which he got around. I was able to get some history from him that revealed facts of some extended family in the tri-cities area of east Tennessee. He staunchly refused further probes of people I might contact for him – who might be able to take him in. “I’m not asking for help – I can get by myself,” was his constant refrain.

But local law enforcement has to deal with such persons, as complaints come in from local businesses, schools, and neighbors. Where are these people to go and how are we to provide for the neediest?

Even now, the Mission is stretched to the limit and has no room for many who come by seeking help. Due to NIMBY (not in my backyard) attitudes in many of our cities, where can these services best be located? We need to research Long Beach NGO’s, faith-based organizations, what effect the needy have on the local business climate, and how businesses can affect a change in the broader community through partnership with NGO’s.

As those industrialists who pioneered the modern philanthropic institutions did, we in the business world need to realize our responsibility to make a difference in the world around us – to leave it a better place – not just leave our wealth, but to build true wealth through people.

“For the poor will be always with you.” – Jesus Christ, Matthew 26:11

Community Responsibility

2006-02-22T16:50:00.000-08:00

Occasional letters to the editor regarding the homeless and views advocated toward the homeless sometimes disturb me. In one, an author stated that 90% of homeless were mentally ill; in another, that the vast majority of the homeless do not want jobs and refuse any constructive help.

I understand the apprehension of the public whose only perception of the homeless are the chronically addicted lying around in neighborhood parks, panhandlers accosting downtown shoppers, street people with signs, “Will Work For Food.”

These letters, however, expose naïve, simplistic and narrow-minded views. The growing homeless or near-homeless population is made up of men, women, and families who, without our help, quickly become homeless statistics. They are not the picture of homeless that we see on the street.

A young mother loses her job, can’t pay the rent, and is told to vacate her apartment without notice; she packs some clothes and takes the hands of her two toddlers and walks to the Mission. We assist her in getting her apartment back.

A successful CPA falls into alcoholism and is brought to the Mission by a pastor friend and finds spiritual recovery.

A man with several warrants is found to be a participant in the Mission’s New Life Program, goes before a judge and is remanded to the program; the judgments are dismissed upon his completion of the program and his subsequent gainful employment.

A young couple loses their son, and the mother; filled with despair, takes her own life, and the man wanders into the desert to die, but finds himself at the Mission, and ultimately goes on to Bible school and a ministry.

A young man who finally desires a life free from drugs, successfully completes the Mission’s New Life Program, finds gainful employment, is reunited with his pregnant wife, and they both get custody of their children from foster care.

The average American family is three paychecks away from homelessness. Women and children make up over 50% of the growing homeless population in Riverside County; of those, 38% are children. These statistics paint a vastly different picture than the recent letters portray and most of the public perceive the homeless to be.

Do we as a community want these to go on without choices for rehabilitation and basic human necessities? I have seen several communities decide stray and abandoned animals require a multimillion dollar facility, but can’t decide where to permit a facility for services such as meals, showers, mail, and counseling for people.

Daily support services will be meaningless for many homeless if they have nowhere to sleep, bathe, get clean clothes and prepare for work. Close proximity to public transportation and other support agencies is critical for those desperately wanting to break the cycle in which they have found themselves. We need to be ready with a safety net and effective solutions for those who will wind up chronic homeless statistics without such support.

Would you want any less for your own children if they found themselves in a situation over which they had no control?