How does faith play a role in those experiencing homelessness? My name is Don L. Gardner, and I was formerly homeless at one time. But, faith led me to the National Coalition for the Homeless, where I can share my story of faith.
Faith plays a vital role in those experiencing homelessness. It takes faith to wake up in the morning not knowing what you’re going to eat. It takes faith to wake up not knowing if you’re going to have water to drink or where you’re going to use the restroom, or if you’re going to have a change of clothes. Or, what about the elements tonight? Is it going to rain on me? Is it going to snow on me today? Is it going to be too hot? It takes faith.
A lot of people that are homeless, in the homeless population, suffer from mental and physical abuse. I’ve experienced a lot of things being homeless. I’ve seen a lot of things. And I’d like to tell you that there’s nothing good about being homeless.
Homelessness sucks. But, faith carried me and delivered me. Yes, I kept faith in the government and their programs. And, I have faith in faith-based ministries and those providers that were coming out to help those who are homeless. But I didn’t lose faith in me and I didn’t lose faith in God. I was really raised in the church. And faith brought me through.
There are a lot of people that are homeless today that have lost faith. They have lost their dreams, their visions, and they believe that no one cares about them. Almost 45,000 people died last year from suicide. And that’s very bad. Because those people maybe lost faith. They lost hope in their dreams, lost hope in the government, lost hope in their families and friends. And, most of all, they lost hope in themselves — and God.
I’d like to say, today, that my experiences have brought me to help someone else. I believe that God didn’t allow me to go through these trials and tribulations just for me. But, to be a blessing to somebody else, to lift somebody else up, to help somebody that has lost, to bless somebody today.
It takes each and every one of us to continue to be a light to the darkness. Homelessness can happen to anybody. It doesn’t make a difference what race, creed, color, or religion that you are. Homelessness can happen from a fire, a flood or loss of job, domestic violence — whatever reason.
But, everybody has a story. And my story today is faith. Without faith, it’s impossible to please God. I commission each and every one of you that is listening — those who are concerned today: continue living and being an inspiration to those that are lost. To those who are less fortunate, those who have lost their way. Be the salt of the earth. Be a light to the darkness and bless them and help them; just don’t walk by them. Blessing with a kind word, an act of kindness. It doesn’t take much. Because, sometimes we can lose faith in a split second. In a very “New York minute” we can lose our faith and lose hope.
I thank you. God bless you. Love you.
