Dignity
One of the common themes surrounding the homeless population is the loss of dignity that goes along with losing all possessions and becoming dependent upon the kindness of others. Well-meaning people, in our zeal to help, can actually perpetuate that feeling of the loss of dignity.
A while back, I offered to be responsible for the Christmas Angel Tree for our office. You know what that is – there is a Christmas Tree where the ornaments are cards containing descriptions of families who are in need. The family we selected was living in a shelter. The Father had a job, but they had lost their apartment. What they really needed was transportation and we helped them with that in addition to providing gifts for the children.
As I collected gifts from my coworkers, I explained how the system worked – I would deliver the gifts to Social Services, not to the family. I wouldn’t meet the family at all. One well-meaning co-worker said, “But I wanted to go with you to give the gifts directly to the family. I wanted to see the looks on their faces.”
All religious traditions agree that the reward for helping those in need is in the act of providing assistance. We who have been graced with the task of helping those who have less should remember that homelessness is not about us watching their gratitude. Homelessness is not about us at all. Homelessness is about the homeless. It’s about the pain, embarrassment and discouragement they are feeling. And it’s up to us as Christians to relieve these feelings.
Parker’s House was founded on the concept that residents deserve dignity and respect. No one will ever meet the residents without their knowledge and permission. They will never appear in photos on marketing materials. But I have the utmost confidence that as you support Parker’s House, you will experience the joy of giving – even without seeing the looks of gratitude on their faces.
