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?"

The cycle of homelessness begins as a personal crisis

It then becomes a systemic problem

People’s responses also come rushing out and sometimes paralyze us.

Where do we begin? Where do I begin?

There are more then 8,000 – 9500 on streets every night in King County. There are only 4,000 shelter beds to accommodate these people.

There are 745,000 homeless people across the country every night. This exceeds 25,000 unique individuals.

Issues

• Safety

• Isolation

• 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”