Welcome Homelessness: Are We Really Helping?

The importance of grace and truth in helping people change

A theology of grace and truth “ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 Grace Truth

Emphasis on grace Unconditional acceptance Giving another chance Showing compassion Providing support and care Focus on rights Treated as a Guest Hospitality Emphasis on truth Enforcement of rules Maintaining boundaries Administering justice Challenging and empowering Focus on personal responsibility Treated as a Client Assessment

Challenge and empowerment

Understanding each other better and working together 1.The need for confidence 2.The need for coordination 3.The need for creative tension

1. The need for confidence The relevance of Christian theology The key role the church has to play (Housing Justice) Humility, self-awareness and generosity

2. The need for coordination Faith-based / independent charities Local Authorities & commissioned agencies

3. The need for creative tension Faith-based / independent charities Local Authority

Discussion What challenges or difficulties need to overcome? What are the key changes needed to improve how we help homeless and vulnerable people?

Action Ideas and proposals for group actions Commitments to personal steps

‘The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool. If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority.’ Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jnr Strength to Love, 1963

Websites Housing Justice: www,housingjustice,org,uk West London Mission ‘Resistance & Renewal’ blog

Welcome Homelessness: Are We Really Helping?