Same Kind of Different

(In full discloser, I am creating this blog post as an assignment for a Social Work Course that I am in. I am going to be writing about the issues of poverty and homelessness in hopes to create a place to present information of poverty issues in my area as well as open the discussion of poverty, and the church's role in helping those living in poverty and experiencing homelessness.) 

As one of the reading requirements for a course, I was recently introduced to the story that inspired "Same Kind of Different as Me", both the book and the movie. To give some kind of context, I had just begun my journey of finishing my bachelor's degree in social work. For many years, I have had a heart for those living in poverty, which was what caused me to pursue my associate degree in social work after high school. I had experience on "both sides of the desk" during my 20 years since that time, which has given me even more empathy for those in need. There are many reasons why someone may find themselves living in poverty, as well as many stigmas that surround this (I'm guessing that you can think of a few of them right now). Both my personal experience with finding myself living "below the poverty line" as well as hearing stories, such as the one that inspired "Same Kind of Different as Me", has allowed me to see this population in a different light. It has also emphasized to me the importance of Gods call to take care of those in need. The fan was flamed inside me to learn more... to do more. 

Same Kind of Different as Me Trailer #2 (2017) | Movieclips Trailers (youtube.com)

We recently had our pastor share about the issues of poverty during a sermon. Pastor Rick had a gentleman who had real life experience come up to share and began interviewing him for his perspective, which I appreciated. It is one thing to discuss issues about poverty and homelessness but to have someone from the congregation give a first-hand account was impactful. I was very encouraged to hear about this man's resilience in insurmountable circumstances, but it was disheartening to learn that no one reached out to him during that time.

 Again... fan was flamed. This ignited something in me that I can't explain. 

You can find the link to the sermon interview here: 

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1cEYjg7vwqJpqrzC/?mibextid=oFDknk

 James 2:14-17 compels us as Christians to do more...    

Faith and Deeds: 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

It begs me to ask some questions that I am asking you, as the reader, to respond to. I want to know more. I want to understand how we, as Christians- bearing the name of Jesus, can miss the mark like this. Please message me privately, or you are welcome to comment on the blog post or Facebook post. This is not to be a condemning place but one that opens up the conversation on how we can better respond to our calling. 

Your story and opinion matters! This requires bold transparency... so thank you for being open to providing insight to your experiences. 

If you have had experience with poverty and/or homelessness:

• What were the circumstances that led to this?
• What were some agencies and assistance programs that you found helpful? Not so helpful?
• Did you reach out to any local churches? Did any churches reach out to you to assist you? 

If you have never had experience with poverty and/or homelessness personally: 

• In what ways have you responded to God's call to care for those in need? (volunteering, donating, etc.)
• If you have not responded, what has been the reasons why? (stigmas, lack of knowledge, lack of opportunity, fear, etc.) 

Information...Awareness...Action

Statistics 

1. https://www.welfareinfo.org/poverty-rate/ohio/butler-county/#google_vignette
2. https://www.usich.gov/sites/default/files/document/Ending_Family_Homelessness_Progress_Wo rk_Ahead.pdf
3. https://www.usich.gov/guidance-reports-data/data-trends#homelessnessff  

Local Resources: 

1. Programs at SELF - Supports to Encourage low-income Families - Butler County's Community Action Agency (selfhelps.org)
2. Ohio Department of Job and Family Services | Job and Family Services
3. Hope House Mission (hhmission.org)

The following are resources that I compiled during a 3-part group I recently held with my kids to start the conversation about poverty and homelessness: 

1. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/compassion-for-the-homeless/
2. https://www.apa.org/topics/socioeconomic-status/poverty-hunger-homelessness-children
3. https://youtu.be/To07TjBnrNY

I look forward to hearing from YOU!