5 Realities of a Homeless Shelter at Christmas

“Most people dream of a white Christmas, with a thick shimmering layer of fresh snow blanketing the world, wrapping everything you know in a cozy embrace.” So begins an article from the website “Cracked” entitled “5 Realities of a Homeless Shelter at Christmas.” The writer then makes this startling observation; “a white Christmas can [expletive] murder you.”

The post is rather cynical and is peppered with profanity, but the points made are valid and important.  They are summarized here:

#5 – People Treat the Homeless as Props.

These shelters, says Brock Lee, a worker among homeless charities in the UK, “exist to help people with serious problems. They do not exist to round up sideshows and parade them around for gawkers or to help regular folks to gain perspective on their own lives.” It is not completely uncommon to receive a call from parents who want to bring their children to serve meals at the Mission so the children will be more appreciative of the benefits they have. The Rescue Mission does not exist to provide a “scared straight” lesson for unappreciative children. We exist to help at risk individuals who are at crisis points in their lives.

#4 – Don’t Expect Everyone to Be Grateful
Some have a “bad volunteer experience” because they expect people at the shelter to be overjoyed with gratitude that someone would leave the comfort of their homes for an hour or so to serve them food. In reality, many who are accustomed to the street have genuine trust issues, particularly when it comes to strangers. Besides, some know that this is a “feel-good” experience for the volunteer and there is little thought for lasting help. Admittedly, some of the individuals that you will meet at the Mission will be extremely thankful for your service. Unfortunately, some will not.

#3 – Donations are Bizarrely Random

Missions often receive items that someone cannot use or don’t know how to use. We have received broken microwave ovens, with the idea that someone here could repair it; we’ve received opened and partially used bottles of vitamins, OTC medications, and such like. Many of the items donated to us are exactly what we need.  Sometimes, charities become a substitute dumpster.

#2 – Homelessness Kills

Fortunately we are in an El Nino weather pattern in the North East, which, so far, has meant a mild, warmer-than-average winter. Last winter was brutal. People living on the streets are at great risk in cold weather. In fact, hypothermia does not require brutal cold to set in.

#1 – Breaking through Isn’t Easy But it Does Happen

There are stories of individuals who have broken the cycle of homelessness, poverty, and addiction.  The Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley has taken pro-active measures to increase expectations and accountability to lift people from this vicious cycle. The added component in our approach is the gospel of Christ. Without apology, we are a gospel rescue mission, cleverly disguised as a homeless shelter. In the end, we cannot change anyone. However, we serve a Savior who can change everyone through the life changing message of the gospel.