Homelessness is more than house-less-ness
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Homelessness -- a condition that exists all over the world in every culture -- is not a problem of house-less-ness according to Jeff Gilman, Executive Director of the Redwood Gospel Mission (RGM). Relationships -- family, friends, mentors and support systems -- in a shared environment, are what make a house a home. And it is these relationships that will effectively address the real issues of homelessness -- a condition that usually involves mental illness, addiction. estrangement, poverty, prison time and other life complications.
As a "Spiritual Matchmaker" RGM creates healthy support systems through food service, temporary shelters, classes, chapel and job training, through new life programs that include catering, thrift shops and an annual homeless birthday party. These services also connect each homeless individual with a community church that provides a "home" -- a place of caring, support and mentoring.
Jeff claims that just providing housing can often result in a perverse incentive to actually solving the core issue of establishing basic human connections. He cited the example of a bounty given for cobra heads, by government officials, in an effort to solve a rapidly rising cobra overpopulation problem. However, in time, the cobra heads being turned in for bounties began to rise dramatically. And the overpopulation issue did not diminish.
Further investigation revealed that a new industry of raising cobras to be turned in for bounty had begun. So bounties were discontinued. The overpopulation problem continued, but the increase in cobras was solved.
Giving out housing, like giving bounties for cobra heads, simply translates the homeless problem into new, and sometimes more diverse and complex issues. RGM has effectively diagnosed the problem. And the solutions require ongoing commitment and follow through.
