Hurricane Katrina: solving the housing needs of refugees
Noctur Visio
Refugees?! Surely I must be joking right? After all, refugees exists only in "other countries" but not in the U.S. Why not evacuees? After all, the people are being emptied out of the city. However, that term fails to describe what is also a large-scale loss of home that is probably permanent for many and also jobs or livelihood. It is also a displacement from their state. I am aware that by the use of the term, racism might be implied in that only the "blacks" are involved but that is not my point here. Rather, that the U.S. is no different from other countries in the world in being hit by natural disasters that cause thousands of displaced as well as dead people.
However, what has been the response of Christians thus far? To their credit, many of the Christian rescue agencies have gotten involved in the rescue and disaster relief. Food is being delivered, the wounded and sick are being tended while the seperated are slowly being reunited. However, I believe something is yet missing - what has the Church in America done with the housing of the displaced? As far as I understand the current situation, many have taken refuge or housing among relatives (the lucky ones). For those without relatives, they are left to start off with a new life in some strange state (some have landed in Utah) with some governmental housing or small monetary assistance. For these people left out on their own to seek new life in new surroundings, I'd like to propose an initiative for churches and Christians across America to consider:
* Christians, have you ever thought about asking people in your church if they would open up their homes to provide housing for them? If not, why not? Some of you own homes with an extra bedroom. Have you considered opening that extra bedroom for your fellow human to stay? Consider Hebrews 13:2 - Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Have you ever seen angels? If not, here's one way you may see God at work in your lives right now.
* Churches, have you ever considered funding, providing seed money or partnering with government agencies to start up housing for the displaced and homeless (Notice that I also want to address the larger issue of the homeless in America as well, besides the Hurrican refugees)? There is a larger structural and systematic issue at work here concerning the problem of housing - with the hurricane victims as well as the perennial problem of the homeless in America - who cares for them? Most of us are content with merely dropping a few coins into their hats when we see them in the street and there is a danger in this case having the same mentality of dropping coins into the hurricane victims hats. But what of the larger and long-term issue of their housing? As as larger instituion, you the church can do much more than most individuals can. If you are a small church, consider coming together as a band of volunteers to maybe even house one volunteer victim for the longer-term, either providing some permanent housing for them or in a member home who is open to such long-term relationship. Visit them regularly, seeing if their needs are met. However, use wisdom as not all victims may be honest, whether they are black or white. If they can pledge something to you in return for housing or shelter, that is wisdom (Proverbs 20:16). Most people want to work rather than be treated as beggars. If you plan to help them, provide opportunities whereby they may join in their own self-sustenance. Everybody takes pride in knowing that eventually, they can meet their needs through the work of their hands. Churches - are you short of volunteers or workers? Consider exchanging your housing in return for their help. Do you have a vision for seeing a blighted neighborhood restored or renewed? Perhaps now may be the time for you to petition government to join in partnership in building housing that will provide permanent dwelling for the refugees. What about housing developers or contracters? What is their part in this? If you know of people in the construction industry, contact them right now and ask what they doing for the hurricane victims in terms of housing. Real estate agents? Don't forget them. Contact them as well and ask what they or their association are doing in terms of housing for the displaced.
This is an opportune time to churches and Christians alike to start building and working towards some long-term solutions to the problem of housing in America. The poor will always be challenges but for the homeless it need not be. Do you want to see an example of the Good Samaritan played out today? Here it is.
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need. (Acts 2:44-45).
Refugees?! Surely I must be joking right? After all, refugees exists only in "other countries" but not in the U.S. Why not evacuees? After all, the people are being emptied out of the city. However, that term fails to describe what is also a large-scale loss of home that is probably permanent for many and also jobs or livelihood. It is also a displacement from their state. I am aware that by the use of the term, racism might be implied in that only the "blacks" are involved but that is not my point here. Rather, that the U.S. is no different from other countries in the world in being hit by natural disasters that cause thousands of displaced as well as dead people.
However, what has been the response of Christians thus far? To their credit, many of the Christian rescue agencies have gotten involved in the rescue and disaster relief. Food is being delivered, the wounded and sick are being tended while the seperated are slowly being reunited. However, I believe something is yet missing - what has the Church in America done with the housing of the displaced? As far as I understand the current situation, many have taken refuge or housing among relatives (the lucky ones). For those without relatives, they are left to start off with a new life in some strange state (some have landed in Utah) with some governmental housing or small monetary assistance. For these people left out on their own to seek new life in new surroundings, I'd like to propose an initiative for churches and Christians across America to consider:
* Christians, have you ever thought about asking people in your church if they would open up their homes to provide housing for them? If not, why not? Some of you own homes with an extra bedroom. Have you considered opening that extra bedroom for your fellow human to stay? Consider Hebrews 13:2 - Forget not to show love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Have you ever seen angels? If not, here's one way you may see God at work in your lives right now.
* Churches, have you ever considered funding, providing seed money or partnering with government agencies to start up housing for the displaced and homeless (Notice that I also want to address the larger issue of the homeless in America as well, besides the Hurrican refugees)? There is a larger structural and systematic issue at work here concerning the problem of housing - with the hurricane victims as well as the perennial problem of the homeless in America - who cares for them? Most of us are content with merely dropping a few coins into their hats when we see them in the street and there is a danger in this case having the same mentality of dropping coins into the hurricane victims hats. But what of the larger and long-term issue of their housing? As as larger instituion, you the church can do much more than most individuals can. If you are a small church, consider coming together as a band of volunteers to maybe even house one volunteer victim for the longer-term, either providing some permanent housing for them or in a member home who is open to such long-term relationship. Visit them regularly, seeing if their needs are met. However, use wisdom as not all victims may be honest, whether they are black or white. If they can pledge something to you in return for housing or shelter, that is wisdom (Proverbs 20:16). Most people want to work rather than be treated as beggars. If you plan to help them, provide opportunities whereby they may join in their own self-sustenance. Everybody takes pride in knowing that eventually, they can meet their needs through the work of their hands. Churches - are you short of volunteers or workers? Consider exchanging your housing in return for their help. Do you have a vision for seeing a blighted neighborhood restored or renewed? Perhaps now may be the time for you to petition government to join in partnership in building housing that will provide permanent dwelling for the refugees. What about housing developers or contracters? What is their part in this? If you know of people in the construction industry, contact them right now and ask what they doing for the hurricane victims in terms of housing. Real estate agents? Don't forget them. Contact them as well and ask what they or their association are doing in terms of housing for the displaced.
This is an opportune time to churches and Christians alike to start building and working towards some long-term solutions to the problem of housing in America. The poor will always be challenges but for the homeless it need not be. Do you want to see an example of the Good Samaritan played out today? Here it is.
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need. (Acts 2:44-45).
posted by Beng Cher at 10:55 PM
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