What Is the Right Formula?

Shelter or Permanent Supportive Rapid Re-Housing

Obviously this formula has nothing to do with dealing with chronic homelessness, but it might as well represent the confusion over the argument of shelter or Housing First (permanent supportive rapid re-housing).  With the exception of a very few engineers this equation will represent a mystery to most folks.  For those of you who are curious, it is part of an equation related to passing an electrical current through a blue diamond and relates to hole mobility.  Wow!  Aren't you excited?

Energy bands form as a quantum mechanical consequence (as in Pauli’s exclusion principle) when isolated atoms are brought together forming a crystal.  At that point we distinguish between the valence band, which consists of the electrons forming the chemical bonds, and the conduction band, which consists of electrons of higher energies which can move freely across the crystal.  Electronic conduction only takes place within these bands when one band is partially populated by electrons.

A blue diamond is an intrinsic semiconductor.  It contains relatively small amounts of impurities compared to the thermally generated electrons and holes.  In order to obtain the electron density (the number of electrons per unit volume) in an intrinsic semiconductor, one needs to integrate the electron density n(E) in an incremental energy range dE from the bottom to the top of the conduction band.  The density n(E) is the product of the Fermi-Dirac distribution F(E) and the density of allowed energy states per energy range per unit volume N(E).  Hence the equation.  Now that everyone understands this concept . . . . oh well!

History has shown that rescue missions have collaborated with government-run and government-endorsed programs that do not conflict with the mission's core values and practices.  Here in Lancaster Grace Shelter (Lancaster Community Shelter) and the city and county enjoy a healthy synergy in their efforts to get our neediest citizens off the streets and back on their feet.  That is not true in other places.  Sentiment in some cities toward rescue missions, at least those ruled by federal influence and funding, has moved from appreciation to tolerance.  According to a position paper of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, certain places are leaning toward contempt.

Actually, as our country becomes increasingly diverse it needs a multipronged approach to alleviating homelessness.  Obviously rescue missions and the faith-based community have been, and continue to be, one of those prongs.  At this point I should mention that Grace Shelter is not at odds with the government's end goal regarding homelessness.  Grace Shelter has compassionately served immigrants, veterans, victims of domestic violence, runaways from asylums and abusive families, alcoholics and addicts, and people depending on their own decisions who, for whatever reason, have lost possessions, jobs, and dignity.

Here's the rub.  HUD's approach to alleviating homelessness in America, like many government programs, offers a simplistic solution to a multi-faceted problem that requires a multi-faceted solution.  Housing First and Rapid Re-Housing are not sufficient in and of themselves to end homelessness.  Add to that the fact that decisions regarding the administration of government funding drive the agenda for services for the homeless in many local continuums of care, often without regard for best practices and customized solutions.  What works in downtown Los Angeles doesn't work in the Antelope Valley.  It could be argued that what people believe works in Los Angeles doesn't, but let's not open that can of worms!

Grace staff believes that the most effective plan for reducing homelessness must address the causes of homelessness and not simply treat the symptoms.  A strong sense of community connection and intensive support can decrease unnecessary deaths resulting from the isolation, alienation, and unchecked drug and alcohol usage that can happen in Harm Reduction models.  Legitimate concerns regarding the stipulations and possible intervention that come with accepting government funding has caused us to consider detaching from most or all government contracts.  That would be a mistake, however, because it would cut off important communications and lead to a lack of mutual understanding.  So we soldier on, trying to make our voice heard further away than Acton.

Traditionally, over the past sixty years at least, rescue missions have not readily had a place at the table in collaborative efforts to alleviate homelessness.  There are reasons for this, some good, some bad.  Some in government do not accurately understand what rescue missions do.  Many in the public sector are reluctant to include faith-based organizations in their joint efforts because of  misnomers about the separation of church and state and the popular culture's increasing derision toward anything Christian.  As a result we need to find a solution to help all of the various groups trying to end homelessness to communicate effectively.

For Grace Mission that means collecting, analyzing, and presenting relevant data about outcomes.  This becomes critical for demonstrating the impact of programs and services we offer.  For us that means we have to constantly evaluate our programs and determine if they are indeed successful!  It would be much easier to just accept government funds and do the least amount necessary to fulfill the contract.  Along with that we need to speak out loudly against homelessness in our community and clearly state the harmful results of homelessness in society.  Part of that effort is writing this blog.

Individuals and families are homeless today because of spiritual and relational poverty, which are matters that lie outside of the government's scope and authority.  At Grace Shelter we believe in the divine power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to eternally redeem and permanently restore a life gone terribly off course.  Regardless of popular culture and without disguise or defense, we are passionately and distinctly Christian in our makeup and approach to ending homelessness.

What does all this mean?  We should respond to the needs of those living in government-provided houses, offering adequate non-residential support and services such as addiction recovery, physical and mental health services, spiritual care, and long-term life-skills training that emphasizes eventual independence from government subsidy.  That means more staff and efficient programs, and that means more money.  We cannot go to the government for the funds to provide these services, because government contracts are becoming more and more restrictive about how we share our faith and present our Biblical programs.  So we have to find other funds to make it happen.  If everyone in the Antelope Valley that could afford it would give us $1 a month, or $1 more than they already give, we could do just about anything.  So we have to figure out how to inspire that kind of giving.  

This picture is called "forgiveness."  Study it carefully for a moment.  Note the nail and hammer in the hand of the one whom Jesus so tenderly holds.  That is a picture of me!  That is a picture of you.  Right now, right this moment!  We are sinners undone!  I have nothing to offer God . . . ever!  Every person who is suffering from addiction, or mental illness, could be in this picture!  They are JUST LIKE ME!  If I truly love them, then I cannot in good conscience allow them to continue a lifestyle that is destructive and deadly.  Nor can you or I change one of them!  We don't have the power to change hearts!  Only God has that ability.  Here, of course, I am talking about the one true God, the God of the Bible, the Eternal Triune God.  So how do I help such a person?  By showing love, the same kind of love that God shows me.  I can't do that without His help, and I can't do it any way but the way He says I am to do it.  And therein lies the rub!  Love is described very clearly in Scripture!  Many dislike how God describes loving actions sometimes.

"On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding."  (Proverbs 10:13 NASB)

"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid."  (Proverbs 12:1 NASB)

"The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, but the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded."  (Proverbs 13:13 NASB)

"He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently."  (Proverbs 13:24 NASB)

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."  (Proverbs 14:34 NASB)

Love isn't ever easy.  Acting lovingly requires the power of God in our lives.  Paul made that clear in Colossians 3.  My earthly body is now dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed.  I've put aside anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech.  I am not allowed to lie to myself or others.  Every day I am renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created me, a renewal that comes through the study of His Word, and obedience to what I've learned.  As a result I put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with others, and forgiving others as Jesus forgave me!  And I must put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity!  It is much easier to ignore those in need than to love them enough to do my utmost to show them the love of Christ!  Putting myself above them comes easily to my sinful old self.  That is not acceptable.  God wants me to do what is right, even when it is inconvenient.  Sometimes that means practicing tough love.  It never means allowing someone I love to engage in destructive behavior.

As a result I am diametrically opposed to any program that ignores the real needs of people, does not show this kind of selfless love, and especially ignores the spiritual need.  To offer help to anyone, without expecting anything from them to help themselves, is demeaning and dehumanizing.  It sends a message to them that they are useless, and will never amount to anything.  To do something for someone who could do it for themselves is demeaning and dehumanizing.  It says loudly and clearly that you don't care!

When it comes to lost people without the Lord, and especially without a healthy respect for God and His Word and the relationship He wants to have with us, there are no substitutes.  Every homeless person is worth so much more than you or I could ever imagine!  So let's treat them like they are worthy.  That is our plan at Grace Shelter.

I believe that over the long haul the lives changed in this way will outshine any other programs.  Does that mean those other programs won't help some?  Of course not.  And if we become involved in those lives, what differences might we make?  Think about it.  Think about giving that $1 a month or $1 a month more than you are already giving to Grace Resources.  Please.  You may not know how to reach a homeless person, or what to do in a situation of crisis management, but your support will make you a part of the solution.  We could not do what we do without the support of people like you.  So thank you to all who will consider this and respond to the need!  Every dollar you give says "I love you" to all the people we serve!