Realitybites said:

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Sunday morning, there was a man in the church parking lot. He looked a bit scruffy, probably a rough 55 or a regularly aging 65. He was pacing back and forth intently staring at his phone.

I didn't initially identify him as a homeless guy because I didn't see his backpack and cup of coffee until I was almost inside. So my initial analysis based on first impressions was "is this a drug addicted/crazy threat who just happens to be in our parking lot."

But the more I thought about it I realized it was a homeless guy who had chosen to shelter in our parking lot (+ or - whatever issues had led him to that state).

What would have been the right thing to do? Talk to him? Invite him to the service? If you invite him inside and he threatens others, I don't really have the right to make that decision for other parishoners or their children. Skip the service and go talk to him?

I decided I would talk to him when the service was over and see what was going on and try to help him if I could but he was gone.

Yes, there are millions of homeless people and you cannot fix a broken creation. But this one guy chose to sleep in our church parking lot for whatever reason.

...and for the past few days I'm having this nagging "you were the Pharisee who crossed the street" feeling.

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Married A Horn said:

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Realitybites said:

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Sunday morning, there was a man in the church parking lot. He looked a bit scruffy, probably a rough 55 or a regularly aging 65. He was pacing back and forth intently staring at his phone.

I didn't initially identify him as a homeless guy because I didn't see his backpack and cup of coffee until I was almost inside. So my initial analysis based on first impressions was "is this a drug addicted/crazy threat who just happens to be in our parking lot."

But the more I thought about it I realized it was a homeless guy who had chosen to shelter in our parking lot (+ or - whatever issues had led him to that state).

What would have been the right thing to do? Talk to him? Invite him to the service? If you invite him inside and he threatens others, I don't really have the right to make that decision for other parishoners or their children. Skip the service and go talk to him?

I decided I would talk to him when the service was over and see what was going on and try to help him if I could but he was gone.

Yes, there are millions of homeless people and you cannot fix a broken creation. But this one guy chose to sleep in our church parking lot for whatever reason.

...and for the past few days I'm having this nagging "you were the Pharisee who crossed the street" feeling.

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I've been doing some introspection... I always saw them and turned the other way, justifying it by saying they made their choices, or they will just buy drugs or beer if I give them money.

There are a few at our church that 'took in' homeless peeps this past year and are still helping them.

I refuse to walk to the other side of the road anymore. Will keep you posted.

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TinFoilHatPreacherBear said:

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Most homeless people need help other than money and a single meal. In the past, I've talked with them, brought food when possible. Mainly I directed them to a specific shelter. I've even called the shelter with the homeless person to see how to best get them in. Donated to the shelters.
But every single homeless I talked to isn't interested in going. They all know about the shelters and have their reasons (excuses) for not wanting to go. Most have mental illness, addictions, etc. Times are different now, the homeless have access to lots of services. And you can't force them to use them.

Do the best you can do, with a compassionate mindset, and look for opportunities to do better if you feel like you missed something.

Fwiw, I don't feel led to let a street stranger sleep in my house, especially considering my wife and kids are there as well. But maybe others do,and good for them.

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TinFoilHatPreacherBear said:

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Fwiw, I don't feel led to let a street stranger sleep in my house, especially considering my wife and kids are there as well. But maybe others do,and good for them.

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Married A Horn said:

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TinFoilHatPreacherBear said:

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Most homeless people need help other than money and a single meal. In the past, I've talked with them, brought food when possible. Mainly I directed them to a specific shelter. I've even called the shelter with the homeless person to see how to best get them in. Donated to the shelters.
But every single homeless I talked to isn't interested in going. They all know about the shelters and have their reasons (excuses) for not wanting to go. Most have mental illness, addictions, etc. Times are different now, the homeless have access to lots of services. And you can't force them to use them.

Do the best you can do, with a compassionate mindset, and look for opportunities to do better if you feel like you missed something.

Fwiw, I don't feel led to let a street stranger sleep in my house, especially considering my wife and kids are there as well. But maybe others do,and good for them.

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The one that did, took in a late 20s female that was sleeping in her car while being a manager of a fitness gym. And their 2 boys are off to college. It is a low risk scenario for them.

Most situations call to not go that far... there are other ways to care and not put your family at risk.

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