Living without a safe, warm place to sleep, without a place to enjoy a home-cooked meal or care for young children; this is what it means to be homeless. While the loss of a home is a crisis for anyone, it is particularly devastating for families. Felix, Mari, and their 10 year old daughter, Destiny who are current guests of Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network, recently experienced this tragic loss.
Their story began at Walmart where they worked. For Felix, it was love at first sight, but for Mari it was a more gradual development. Things between them were going well until Felix lost his job. Being the resourceful couple that they are, the family was able to live off Mari’s salary until ‘this economy’ turned things upside-down and Mari was laid off. I can only imagine the heartbreaking conversation where Felix and Mari looked in each others eyes and said two words that could move any parent to tears: “What now?” Felix, Mari, and Destiny were forced to uproot their lives in southern California to live in their hard-headed cousin’s garage in Salem, Oregon. They had a roof over their head, but no heat on cold winter nights. The relationship between Felix and his cousin deteriorated point where they were unable to speak. Each family actually hid food in their rooms – clearly Felix and his family were not wanted.
Until recently, many people believed that only alcoholics or the mentally ill made up the homeless population. However, these stereotypes have never accurately portrayed homeless people and certainly do not reflect today’s sad reality. In fact, families with young children are the fastest growing segment of those without homes.
The cause of family homelessness is simply the lack of sufficient income to maintain decent, affordable housing. Many families find themselves caught in the growing gap between family income and the cost of housing. Those families who rent are often only one paycheck away from homelessness. The loss of a job, an increase in rent, sudden illness, or the lack of family support – any one of these issues can drive a family to the “what now?” conversation.
How do families prevent homelessness? In this economy, is that even possible? Is there an answer? Isaiah 58:7 states: “Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – - when you see the naked, clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” Many have joined together through Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network in tangible ways to provide real help and compassion to families like Felix, Mari, and Destiny.
Please, prayerfully consider becoming a financial supporter of Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network. You are making a difference. Thank you for the chance to work together as we help families find a permanent solution.
For more information E-Mail our office or call (503) 370-9752