Dealing with People Who Live Through Houselessness
Our church is blessed in many ways. We are a diverse congregation, we are a downtown church, and we have beautiful green space (if you’re interested in the maintenance of that green space, please check out the Lay Weeders). These blessings also mean that we often see the diversity of our downtown community as well. Some of you may have noticed visitors who are living through houselessness or visitors who have left belongings or items around the green space. We want to acknowledge this and provide some best practices if you feel concerned.
In coming weeks, the Trinity Houselessness Alliance Council will be providing information that you may find helpful. This week we are focusing on some concrete best practices.
If you ever feel concerned, here are some best practices:
If it’s not yours, it’s best not to touch it. However, if you feel inclined to remove an item please do the following: first, make sure it is safe to pick up. Second, we have an outdoor Lost and Found bin located by the kitchen, which will be emptied every Thursday. Place the found item there in case the person who left it will be back for it.
It's best not to give cash out, but if you feel inclined, please give to our Deacon’s Discretionary Fund run by Deborah Burns. The Discretionary Fund receives more requests than it can fill, and it is an excellent way to give. If you give cash, you are potentially setting up an expectation that the next Trinitarian may not be able to fulfill.
Unless the church is open for Sunday services, if someone asks for access to the restrooms, let them know that there are restrooms in the community center on 11th Street, or, after 2:00 (M/T/TH/F) at the DARE center across the street.
Do not engage with someone who is yelling or with anyone who makes you nervous. Most of our congregation lacks the training required to de-escalate someone and not everyone in crisis can be de-escalated. It’s OK to just walk away.
If someone is doing damage to the property, threatening other people or is talking about self-harm or suicide, please call the non-emergency line for the Lawrence Police: 785-843-0250.
In the future, we will provide information from theological and sociological perspectives. Please contact me at jallen@trinitylawrence.org or 785-843-6166 if you have any questions.
Blessings,
Mother Jenn+