Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

Homelessness is Everyone's Problem

by Mary Moeller

Being homeless is not merely an inner city problem, and it is not merely someone else's problem. I teach in the suburbs and it affects the students in my classes. Currently at least two of my one hundred twenty students are homeless. Maybe this isn't a high percentage. This number, however leaves out another 83% of the students who constantly move in and out. A week ago two of my students were removed from the school roll. Their hardworking mother was making rental payments, only to have her house taken away becauses the owner wasn't making mortgage payments. This family became homeless while holding at least one job and "doing the right thing."

Last night I read "Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living," by Rueben Job. It is the book our congregation is studying for Lent. As I read, I couldn't help worry about many of my students and others I know who live in poverty. It also was three simple rules: "Doing Good, like doing no harm, is a proactive way of living." This is a struggle for many of us. It means we, as Christians, can't ignore those around us who are suffering. Job talks about us living in a "climate in which it has become easy to turn away from social and economic injustices..." I believe this is true, but I also believe I can make a difference. I can do something "hands on" such as make sandwiches for the Dignity Center or serve Community meals. However, I believe that this is not enough. We have a system that is not working for the "least of these."

It is easy to get frustrated and think "I can't do anything by myself." This is quite true. We can't do anything by ourselves. But we can do a lot of things if we unite together. We need to be a "voice for the voiceless" if we are going to follow the Three Simple Rules: Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay in Love with God. Get Involved I invite you to contact Outreach@haumc.org to see how you can help!