Resilient Faces

I came across a highly intelligent sick man today who lives in an overgrown and crowded yard in a rundown caravan. It ain’t his fault, he’s just trying to survive. He lives in squalor, he’s been neglected, his body is suffering, and he needs assistance from the ground on up, but despite all this, he’s a trooper and a picture of resiliency. The journey has begun to help him move from homelessness into a safe healthy home. 

I came across a pleasant old man today who sleeps on a mattress under a bridge in an affluent part of town. It ain’t his fault, he’s just doing his best to survive. His anxiety causes him to freak out and have outbursts of anger, making it difficult for him to navigate beyond the next minute, but despite all this, he greets me with a smile. The journey has begun to help him move from homelessness into a warm dry home.

I came across a shy young couple today who must quickly move out of a sibling’s house. It ain’t their fault, they’re just attempting to start their adulthood. They have to grow up so quickly, as program requirements and lease agreements have forced their hands, but despite all this, they’re respectful and resilient. The journey has begun to help them move from homelessness into a home where they can start their own family.

I came across a soft-spoken man today hunched over in a doorway without a place to lay his head. It ain’t his fault, he’s just trying to find some sanity. After a recent hospitalisation, he seeks peace of mind, comfort and freedom in a world that doesn’t make sense to him, but despite all this, he remains generous and compassionate. The journey has begun to lovingly support him wherever the path leads him, hopefully resulting in a safe secure home.

I came across a respectful man who every night drifted from one place to the next trying to stay dry. It ain’t his fault, he’s just trying to be safe and warm. His history and tattooed face tell stories of a colourful past, causing many to reject and fear him, but despite all this, he needs someone to notice him and give him an opportunity. The journey that was begun led him into a place that he now keeps in immaculate condition, and beyond that, now he's paid it forward by helping another homeless brother find a home.

These are just 6 faces of homelessness, faces that shouldn’t be ignored, faces whose lines and scars tell chilling stories, faces full of trauma while clinging onto hope, faces that have been rejected while seeking love, faces that receive while giving what little they have, faces who’s smiles and eyes tell stories of hope, faces that should be noticed.

These 6 faces give us a tiny glimpse of what homelessness in Aotearoa looks like. It’s not exhaustive and it’s not pretty. The struggle is real and is just outside our doors. 

These 6 faces are our neighbours, often unseen, yet need to be seen, recognised, and honoured.

These 6 faces remind us to know our neighbours, those who Jesus passionately identifies with, and to love them as ourselves, by visiting the sick and prisoners, feeding the hungry, giving those thirsty a drink, clothing those in need and giving those experiencing homelessness a safe and secure home (Matthew 25:31-46)