Als Outreach Outtakes

Homelessness is a complex and often misunderstood problem. It is also a growing and financially costly challenge. Based on data from the 2017 Federal Point in Time count, 2015-2017 saw a 16% increase in the number of adult homeless women. ECOnorthwest is projecting there could be an additional overall increase of as much as 26% in the Portland metro area by 2022. Our friends at Union Gospel Mission Women’s Center estimate that it costs tax payers roughly $35,000 to take care of each person experiencing homelessness when you consider hospital emergency room care, law enforcement, mental health and social services along with court and incarceration costs.
 
In my own experience at Holy Trinity I find that the vast majority of those experiencing homelessness also experienced some sort of life changing event. These could include loss of employment, a severe illness in the family, death or even divorce. I have yet to meet anyone who woke up one morning and decided that today was the day they wanted to be homeless. Most hate the position they are in and strive to make things better.
 
A few months ago a woman came in looking for food. We quickly learned she was living in her car and knew she needed more than just food. I learned that she had gone through a divorce within the last year and that her grown child, who is not living in the local area, was not in a position to be able to help (not uncommon). All of her possessions were in her car and it was having some mechanical issues. She was scared, tired and confused but still maintained a positive attitude. She was determined to make things better.
 
Since that first meeting she has gotten herself enrolled into a trade school; we have addressed the mechanical issues with her car; we have gotten her into the Beaverton Safe Parking program ( a very big deal in that she now has a designated place to park without fear of being awakened every couple of hours to be told she needs to move). Since she has no refrigeration or way to cook she comes to see us weekly for food that works for her situation. We also help with gas cards which are critical to her very survival. In between visits she checks in with me via email so that I know she is safe and doing OK.
 
After several months she still has a smile on her face and, frankly, you would never know she is living out of her car. In spite of the many significant challenges she experiences daily she continues working hard to make things better. She is on track to graduate in October. Please pray for her and all those dealing with housing insecurity.