Understanding Complexities about Houselessness
One of the complexities of working with those who are unhoused is that the behavior of some can seem dangerous or upsetting because we interpret it that way, not because it actually is. Often the behavior is just different from our expectations.
If someone is yelling or behaving in a way that is uncomfortable,
○ Keep in mind that yelling is not violence and often yelling can be a form of expression. Is the person yelling at you or at someone else? Is it personal or an expression?
○ It’s also important to ask oneself after the fact, was I uncomfortable because I felt in danger or because a person was doing something that I found to be unusual? A lot of times, we as people find behavior we are not used to to be frightening or upsetting – but that is just an interpretation. The behavior itself may not be frightening or upsetting. It just may be unfamiliar.
If you feel that calling the police is necessary, please remember that bringing in police is an act of power. Take a breath and ask yourself, “Is a police presence truly necessary?”
Each individual cannot always deescalate and it’s not up to each individual to do de-escalation work. It’s OK to just walk away.
People are not objects of aid, pity, or help. Each person is a full, complete, human being who is striving to live in the way they best know how. The giving of charity and the implementation of justice does not entitle the giver to control the gift.
What we think is necessary to “solve” someone’s “problems” tends to come from a fairly one-dimensional perspective. When we help others, we should always be aware of their stated needs, and not volunteer additional suggestions.
From Mother Jenn: I would like to give a shout out to the Houselessness Alliance Council, which drafted the information in each of the articles we have presented. They have collaborated to bring you helpful information so that our presence to the houseless can be thoughtful and kind. I appreciate their leadership in this work. Austin Turney, Linda McCoy, Garth Burns, Rachel Schwaller, and our newest member, Keith Johnston, are working hard to balance the diverse needs and priorities that come with being an urban church.
