Session # 2-7:

Paths for People of Faith in the World: Steps to End Homelessness

Bill Kirlin-Hackett 

Homelessness begins as personal crisis, and as it affects more people, becomes a critical issue systemically. Engaging ourselves as people of faith in remedies at any level toward ending homelessness is daunting. Where do I begin? Where do I take next steps? Where and how does "I" unite with "we?"

People’s responses also come rushing out and sometimes paralyse us. For example, more than 8,000 to 9,500 homeless wander the streets every night in King County, Washington. The ones who haven't given up will compete for only 4,000 shelter beds. Steps to help accommodate the rest are non-existent.

Across the country, an estimated 750,000 homeless people fend for themselves each and every night...

Issues

• Safety
• Isolation
• Funding

It will take $80 million annual costs to achieve the 10 year King County plan to end homelessness

#1 cause to medical costs?????

Solutions must be in partnership as a complexity that means that one person cannot do alone. If you meet a homeless person take the time to listen to them.

Cross-pollination – Better Servant

Stay in touch, network with others

Live your beliefs in the world among people in need as links and listeners.

 “Be a ladder, a lamp, a lifeboat”