Message: Addressing the Man-Made Crisis of Homelessness (06/21/'24)

Message: Addressing the Man-Made Crisis of Homelessness Dear Friends, I hope this message finds you well. I want to share some thoughts on a critical issue that deeply impacts our society: homelessness. Poverty is not an accident; it’s a construct of human hands, a system meticulously designed where hope and despair become entangled threads in the fabric of our world. Our leaders often speak of ending homelessness, yet their actions frequently betray their words, creating new instances of homelessness even as they claim to combat it. This cruel paradox, where promises remain unfulfilled, casts long shadows over the lives of our most vulnerable citizens. I've been there, on the streets, without a home to call my own. Despite working long hours at gas stations, I remained on the brink, invisible to a society that rushes by, unaware of my plight. Homelessness is not a crime or a disease, but a stark issue of economic justice, reflecting the failures of a society that values profit over people. Economic justice is a pillar of social justice, a set of moral principles guiding us to build economic institutions that offer each person a chance to establish a solid foundation. It’s about creating opportunities and fostering environments where dignity, productivity, and creativity can flourish. In the just world we strive to build, every individual has the chance to rise and live a life of dignity and purpose. It's a vision of a society where every person is seen and valued, where economic structures are designed to uplift rather than oppress. Let us dismantle the systems that perpetuate poverty and homelessness, replacing them with frameworks built on compassion and equity. Let us envision and create a world where justice and opportunity are not mere ideals, but lived realities for all. In this new world, everyone can dream, thrive, and find their rightful place in the tapestry of life. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 21, 2024)