To get it right in the mission to end homelessness, we don't have to choose between faith and facts
For well over a century, Christian ministries have actively offered relief for the poor and unhoused in North America. The dominant model in faith-based homelessness response has long been gospel rescue missions, nonprofit organizations that shelter and feed people experiencing homelessness. While the presence of these ministries in this work is undeniable, they frequently position themselves against best practices to meet their goal of evangelism. This approach often perpetuates homelessness instead of ending it.
In this inspiring and clarifying book, homeless services advocate Kevin Nye reports on dozens of faith-based stories and examples that will equip readers to help end homelessness in their communities. Alongside critical evaluation of what Christian groups have tended to get wrong in addressing homelessness, Nye offers stories of faith and hope about what's going right. Churches and other organizations have been faithfully answering the call to provide services, support, shelter, housing, and so much more in ways that align with broader efforts to successfully end homelessness. These exemplars embody the spirit of Christian social response alongside a commitment to the most effective, evidence-based practices for ending homelessness.
Hope for the Mission offers groups of any size paths to consider, values to emulate, and methods to embody as we follow Jesus toward solidarity with the unhoused. As we imagine a world where everyone has a place to call home, we can find hope and insight for the real mission that lies before us: loving our unhoused neighbors in ways that bring them into fullness and flourishing.