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Statistics & Studies: The Truth About Homeless Families
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Statistics & Studies: The Truth About Homeless Families |
 Troubled Families Beget Homeless Families By Steve Burger We know the truth, but sometimes it is good to see the statistics. They reinforce our knowledge and help us share the truth. They help us be more effective in ministry, in our present programs, and in future planning. The IUGM Women and Family Ministry Survey told us that the majority of homeless heads of families (mostly women) were not raised in intact homes (51%). In all, 18% spent time in foster homes, and 30% never had a father at home. Troubled families beget troubled children. These children, now adults, are in our family shelters. Some 53% have never been married, with only 17% now married. Women head 86% of these families. These are the children of broken homes, now raising "broken" children, These children have lived through alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, lost of housing and a nomadic way of life. The survey showed that 58% of homeless parents have been homeless before, so they are learning how to live from "pillar to post." Homelessness will beget homelessness. The truth is, we know what causes homelessness. Fractured families beget fractured children, who grow up following in their family’s footprints. And it is getting worse. What jumps off the statistical page to me is that 53% have never been married. How do we talk about "family" with children that have never experienced one? Only 33% have lived most of the time with two parents. Most of these children don’t know what a functional family is, much less a Christian family. RESCUE MISSION’S RESPONSE Rescue missions have responded with programs that include discipleship, education, life skills and, employment training. Transitional living and after-care programs are growing, but that growth needs to be accelerated. Many emergency programs have grown into full recovery programs, and many ministries have made long term commitments to those they minister to, as much as two years. CALLING THE CHURCH TO RESPOND Churches need to hear from us the "facts" and need to get more deeply involved. Mel Trotter, rescue mission pioneer, felt that one of the most important part of his calling was "to tell the church," that is, to challenge, extol, and call the church to its scriptural responsibility to the poor and even the outcast. Without mentors and church family relationships the chances of seeing families develop and grow in faith and practice is slim. THE CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE We need to look hard at how we minister to the children. They can not be an afterthought. THEY ARE THE FUTURE! We must deal with all their needs, and we must get them involved with a church, and with Christian families. PREVENTION All around our neighborhoods, single parents are raising children. Are we thinking prevention? President Dick McMillen states: "It is on our shoulders to provide quality programs" aimed at children in the neighborhood "teaching biblical principals that these kids are not getting at home." Dick sets the goal for us when he shares: "They need examples and role models to see what a father should be." We in rescue ministry are not just interested in sheltering and feeding people, but in "life change." That starts with acceptance of Christ as Savior. Then we help the individual and families take the next steps. We need to include the children in each of those steps, and give them a strong priority. They are the future, and, if this survey is correct, they will also be our future clients. That is a truth that we need to understand, deal with, and share. About the Fall 1998 Family Ministry Survey IUGM conducted the survey to provide a better understanding of the background and family history of homeless clients served by mission family shelters. More than 60 missions, and 1325 clients, participated in the survey.
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