When seeing your homeless neighbors on the street, have you ever asked yourself, “why doesn’t someone just buy them a place to live?” While it may seem tempting to offer quick solutions like this, approaches such as these don’t address the underlying causes of homelessness. So how can we truly help our neighbors in need and create an impact that lasts? Let’s look at some alternatives to what some may assume are easy fixes.
THIS or THAT: Providing money to neighbors on street corners or donating a meal?
While providing money to our neighbors on street corners may provide temporary relief, it doesn’t address the root causes of homelessness. Instead, donating to missions like Springs Rescue Mission can help provide our neighbors in need with three nutritious meals a day and a warm bed to sleep in at night, which can help them begin a journey out of homelessness, poverty, or addiction into a life of hope and healing. As a community we should empower individuals to regain their independence and self-sufficiency by addressing the underlying issues that lead to homelessness.
THIS or THAT: Buying a home for a homeless neighbor or sponsoring recovery programs?
Buying a home for a homeless neighbor may seem like a quick fix, but it’s not a sustainable solution to homelessness because it leaves many of the root causes of homelessness unaddressed. Instead, homeless neighbors need a real community where they can find social support, practical help, safety, and access to services just like all of us. Therefore, we should work together to provide a loving and supportive community that can lead to long-term housing solutions and helps our homeless neighbors begin to rebuild their lives.
THIS or THAT: Leaving people to fend for themselves or creating a community of hope?
For many homeless neighbors and those struggling with addiction, finding a sense of belonging is crucial to their recovery and well-being. That is why at Springs Rescue Mission, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to be part of a supportive community that provides the opportunity of finding hope and healing. With programs like the New Life Program, the Intensive Outpatient Program, and the Hope Program, we can help our neighbors in need find the hope and healing they seek while reaching the goals they may once have thought were impossible.
____________________
Homelessness is a complex issue. By addressing the root causes of homelessness, we can empower individuals to regain their independence and self-sufficiency, and ultimately provide hope and healing to those in need. At Springs Rescue Mission, we are committed to providing a loving and supportive community for our homeless neighbors. Through your generosity, you are making a lasting impact in the lives of our neighbors in need.
Consistently provide nutritious meals, a bed and compassionate care for neighbors in need by becoming a Good Samaritan Sponsor today! For just $25 a month, you’ll help transform the life of a homeless man or woman in Colorado Springs.
Visit springsrescuemission.org/gss to learn more.
