notes: “Despite their admission or denial of trauma, abuse, or other impactful events in their lives, a lot of homeless people at first point to fairly simplistic and concrete reasons for their homelessness and include a note of helplessness in overcoming these obstacles.” She continues, “These are the pathological barriers that we as a staff at the resource center work to help our clients overcome by helping them change their behaviors and work through dysfunctional ways of thinking. Erroneous thoughts and distorted beliefs are important areas to focus on as we attempt to help them become more accountable and to expect more from themselves.” Guidance like Cari's can help. Typically, people who have spent more time at rescue missions as part of a residential or recovery program show both an acknowledgement of their role in the situation and a change of heart when asked what could have helped them avoid homelessness: • “Drug addiction help, and having available resources when transitioning out of prison.” • “Working things out with my wife before it completely fell apart and they kicked me out of the house.” • “I was under-employed and could not make rent.” • “My pride, pride not to let my family help me, along with my addiction.” • “I would not have burned the bridges I did between me and my parents and friends, and I would have stayed gainfully employed.” • “For me, it would have been the emotional support and affirmation from my mother.” • “Take responsibility for my actions, my life, my addiction. If only I had turned to God instead of drugs and alcohol.” • “If I had remembered that God was every- thing in my life. If I would have put Him first in everything, remembering He is I Am, I would not have become addicted to drugs and homeless.” • “I let my life spiral out of control. I was badly addicted to drugs and had no income be- cause I quit my job and I lost my apartment.” • “I should have asked God for help and trusted His answers, not mine.” • “Not being so hard headed and obviously adhering to the raising and tutelage of my parents.” • “I knew who God was but I kept running from Him. I should have quit running from Him. What I know now about God by me being at the mission is, God has changed my life!” Ĩ WWW.AGRM.ORG MAY/JUNE 2017 17 Kristi, Rescue’s managing editor, has been a magazine writer and editor for 20 years, as well as a contributing author for devotionals and curriculum. She and her husband, Jess, are the parents of three children. Email her at krector@agrm.org.