Homeless in the ATL

Homeless woman on one of Atlanta’s most known streets, Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta.

Homeless in Atlanta.  The Jewel of the South.  Black Mecca.  Home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Civil Rights. How can this be? 

Atlanta is also #1 in the nation for income inequality. Lots of people with money. Lots of people without money.  Almost no one in the middle.  Affordable housing needs unmet with tens of thousands of units needed in Atlanta.  Other cities have similar needs.  But, many believe Atlanta should be doing better than other cities and should be the model . How is it that those with so much not see, care or help solve this rapidly growing social issue?

According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, housing is one of humanity’s most basic needs.  So again I ask, how can this be??

It is bad to see homeless men.  It is even worse to see homeless women. Ir is even worse to know some of our homeless are veterans who have proudly served our country.  As we saw recently with a former Cosby cast member working in Trader Joe’s, almost anyone can fall on hard times.  Where is our compassion and humanity?

Across metro Atlanta, we find funds for a $23 million bridge and replace the sidewalks around it.  Meanwhile, other parts of the city have been asking for sidewalks for decades.  How can we solve this huge homeless problem??  Why not have a contest and ask for solutions from our citizens and have them present to a “Shark Tank” like panel that will get matching funds from Atlanta Housing Authority, Invest Atlanta and some local private funders??

I pray that sooner rather than later, Atlanta and cities across  our nation will find the solution to our rapidly growing homeless problem.  I pray the woman in this photo is able to get off the streets soon.

 

Shiloh Hills Baptist Church Youth Help the Homeless

 

Today as I exited the Garnett MARTA Rail Station, I saw a group of youth helping the homeless.  All the way from Shiloh Hills Baptist Church in Kennesaw, Georgia; these kids are getting to see, process and make a difference for a few people who are struggling to survive during this Christmas season.

 

As the middle and high school youth approached the homeless with blankets, hats, gloves, and kind words, it warmed my heart on this 36 degree day in Atlanta. According to one of the parents with the Shiloh youth, James, this is the 10th year they have done this mission project.  The church asks for donation of the items and then distributes them on the streets around downtown.

 

As I walked a block further along Peachtree Street, I see another homeless person bundled up on the sidewalk reading a pamphlet that was probably included in the bag distributed by the youth.  Then in the background of the above photo, the Shiloh Hills youth stop for a short briefing at Peachtree Street and Trinity Street  before they continue looking for homeless  people to bless.

Thank you Shiloh Hills Baptist Church youth. You did a good thing today! However, it is my hope that ten years from now, homelessness will be eradicated and you will have to find a different outreach ministry project.

For information about Shiloh Hills Baptist Church, visit: http://www.shilohhills.com/church/index.php/about-us/church-staff

As we continue prepare for this Christmas season, remember how blessed we are to have a roof over our head and heat. And, as you remember the true meaning of Christmas, think of how you might be able to bless someone in a small yet significant way.