Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Hope That Never Disappoints A LETTER FROM FRANKLIN GRAHAM
December 27, 2010 - We appreciate the prayers of the saints and are grateful for those who share in the harvest of souls through their gifts and petitions.
I continue to feel an enormous sense of urgency for the souls of men and women as we enter the coming year.—Franklin Graham
As we come to the end of the year, I am reminded that we are simply that much closer to our Lord’s return, the “glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13, NKJV).
The Scriptures tell us the latter days will be marked by increasing conflicts, wars, and disasters (Matthew 24:4–8), and recent events remind us how fragile and perilous our world really is.
Just a few weeks ago, North Korea fired deadly artillery shells on a South Korean island, leading to the deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier and joint military exercises with a nervous South Korea. Within days of that incident, hundreds of thousands of top-secret cables from U.S. diplomatic sources were published, revealing the backstage drama and tension of seeking to maintain peace and security in an increasingly unstable world. The cables highlighted the nuclear ambitions of Iran and its rapidly growing threat to world peace.
Meanwhile, the fight against terror shows no sign of abating, as Islamic extremists spread their hate around the world, indiscriminately killing thousands of victims. The war in Afghanistan enters its 10th year, and our troops in Iraq are still in harm’s way.
None of this should surprise anyone who follows Christ and has a biblical worldview informed by the Scriptures. The Bible says that the heart of man is “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9), and from that depraved heart flows an unending desire for greed, power, and control. That’s why world peace will never happen. “Nation will rise against nation” (Matthew 24:7), not peacefully coexist.
While the world futilely pursues political and economic solutions to problems that stem from sinful hearts, believers in Jesus Christ are to be focused on proclaiming and sharing the hope we have in Him: “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).
I want to encourage you to be intentional about preparing for the Lord’s return by being faithful in studying His Word and in prayer, and by walking closely with Him. I also urge you to be intentional about sharing the love of Jesus Christ with people you know.
At the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, we will be busy proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom around the world in this new year, starting in Haiti in early January, India in February, and Liberia in March.
In Haiti we will proclaim the Good News at a stadium adjacent to the largest homeless camp in the country. I was in Haiti just a few weeks ago, and my heart was broken as I looked into the plaintive faces of so many suffering people. Hundreds of thousands of people are still homeless, there is filth and rubble everywhere, and the recent cholera outbreak has brought even more misery and death.
What the people of Haiti need more than anything is the sure and certain hope found only through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s a hope that never disappoints, even in the direst of circumstances. Pray for me as I proclaim Christ, for the safety for our teams, and for the local churches who are working together with us for the sake of the Gospel.
Haiti is not the only broken nation desperate for hope. Liberia, a West African country with historic ties to the United States, has emerged from a brutal civil war that lasted a decade and cost a quarter of a million lives. People across Liberia are open to the Gospel, and churches there have invited us to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ at a Crusade in March. Pray that many people will turn to “God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope” (1 Timothy 1:1).
I continue to feel an enormous sense of urgency for the souls of men and women as we enter the coming year. Though the cable leaks exposed the private thoughts of a few individuals for the whole world to see, the day of God’s judgment will be much worse when “God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ” (Romans 2:16).
The Bible says that a day is coming when the hearts of men and women will be laid bare before a holy God. “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). For the believer whose sins have been washed by the blood of the Lamb, there is “no condemnation” (Romans 8:1), but for those who have not believed, there will be only a “fearful expectation of judgment” (Hebrews 10:27). What awaits is Hell, eternal punishment, and separation from God.
Pray for us, and as God leads you, we ask you to consider supporting us on a regular basis if you can. We appreciate the prayers of the saints and are grateful for those who share in the harvest of souls through their gifts and petitions.
In coming days, I want to encourage you to keep your trust in the Lord Jesus. Despite the trials and tribulations that mark this age, He says, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The Lord is always “our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
May our Sovereign God richly bless you in 2011.
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham
President
ARE YOU A GENEROUS GIVER?
We need people like you to ensure that the ministry of BGEA will continue for generations to come. Please donate online today and thank you for your support.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
God works through people like you to change the world by the power of the Gospel.
HAITI
The needs in Haiti are enormous, urgent, and ongoing. Your gift of $50, $90, $150, or any amount to the World Emergency Fund–Haiti can help keep Rapid Response Team chaplains in Haiti to share the love of Christ with suffering people, help in restoring ministries destroyed by the earthquake, or help with the Festival of Hope next month that will proclaim the love of Jesus amidst the chaos and hopelessness that characterize Haiti today.
CRUSADES
Across the country and around the world, people urgently need the Gospel. With your prayers and support, we are proclaiming Jesus Christ everywhere we can. Your gift of $40, $100, or any amount can help bring the Good News in upcoming months to spiritually hungry people in countries such as Haiti and Liberia or to North American cities such as Milwaukee, Denver, Winnipeg, and Los Angeles.
OUR GIFT TO YOU
Christians sometimes forget that the power of the Gospel is not just for salvation, but is meant for our entire lives. In his insightful book Living the Cross Centered Life, C.J. Mahaney unfolds the amazing potential available to those who keep the Gospel the main thing—every day. When you give a gift to BGEA at this time, we will send you a complimentary copy of the book as our thanks.
I continue to feel an enormous sense of urgency for the souls of men and women as we enter the coming year.—Franklin Graham
As we come to the end of the year, I am reminded that we are simply that much closer to our Lord’s return, the “glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13, NKJV).
The Scriptures tell us the latter days will be marked by increasing conflicts, wars, and disasters (Matthew 24:4–8), and recent events remind us how fragile and perilous our world really is.
Just a few weeks ago, North Korea fired deadly artillery shells on a South Korean island, leading to the deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier and joint military exercises with a nervous South Korea. Within days of that incident, hundreds of thousands of top-secret cables from U.S. diplomatic sources were published, revealing the backstage drama and tension of seeking to maintain peace and security in an increasingly unstable world. The cables highlighted the nuclear ambitions of Iran and its rapidly growing threat to world peace.
Meanwhile, the fight against terror shows no sign of abating, as Islamic extremists spread their hate around the world, indiscriminately killing thousands of victims. The war in Afghanistan enters its 10th year, and our troops in Iraq are still in harm’s way.
None of this should surprise anyone who follows Christ and has a biblical worldview informed by the Scriptures. The Bible says that the heart of man is “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9), and from that depraved heart flows an unending desire for greed, power, and control. That’s why world peace will never happen. “Nation will rise against nation” (Matthew 24:7), not peacefully coexist.
While the world futilely pursues political and economic solutions to problems that stem from sinful hearts, believers in Jesus Christ are to be focused on proclaiming and sharing the hope we have in Him: “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).
I want to encourage you to be intentional about preparing for the Lord’s return by being faithful in studying His Word and in prayer, and by walking closely with Him. I also urge you to be intentional about sharing the love of Jesus Christ with people you know.
At the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, we will be busy proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom around the world in this new year, starting in Haiti in early January, India in February, and Liberia in March.
In Haiti we will proclaim the Good News at a stadium adjacent to the largest homeless camp in the country. I was in Haiti just a few weeks ago, and my heart was broken as I looked into the plaintive faces of so many suffering people. Hundreds of thousands of people are still homeless, there is filth and rubble everywhere, and the recent cholera outbreak has brought even more misery and death.
What the people of Haiti need more than anything is the sure and certain hope found only through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s a hope that never disappoints, even in the direst of circumstances. Pray for me as I proclaim Christ, for the safety for our teams, and for the local churches who are working together with us for the sake of the Gospel.
Haiti is not the only broken nation desperate for hope. Liberia, a West African country with historic ties to the United States, has emerged from a brutal civil war that lasted a decade and cost a quarter of a million lives. People across Liberia are open to the Gospel, and churches there have invited us to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ at a Crusade in March. Pray that many people will turn to “God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope” (1 Timothy 1:1).
I continue to feel an enormous sense of urgency for the souls of men and women as we enter the coming year. Though the cable leaks exposed the private thoughts of a few individuals for the whole world to see, the day of God’s judgment will be much worse when “God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ” (Romans 2:16).
The Bible says that a day is coming when the hearts of men and women will be laid bare before a holy God. “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). For the believer whose sins have been washed by the blood of the Lamb, there is “no condemnation” (Romans 8:1), but for those who have not believed, there will be only a “fearful expectation of judgment” (Hebrews 10:27). What awaits is Hell, eternal punishment, and separation from God.
Pray for us, and as God leads you, we ask you to consider supporting us on a regular basis if you can. We appreciate the prayers of the saints and are grateful for those who share in the harvest of souls through their gifts and petitions.
In coming days, I want to encourage you to keep your trust in the Lord Jesus. Despite the trials and tribulations that mark this age, He says, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The Lord is always “our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
May our Sovereign God richly bless you in 2011.
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham
President
ARE YOU A GENEROUS GIVER?
We need people like you to ensure that the ministry of BGEA will continue for generations to come. Please donate online today and thank you for your support.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
God works through people like you to change the world by the power of the Gospel.
HAITI
The needs in Haiti are enormous, urgent, and ongoing. Your gift of $50, $90, $150, or any amount to the World Emergency Fund–Haiti can help keep Rapid Response Team chaplains in Haiti to share the love of Christ with suffering people, help in restoring ministries destroyed by the earthquake, or help with the Festival of Hope next month that will proclaim the love of Jesus amidst the chaos and hopelessness that characterize Haiti today.
CRUSADES
Across the country and around the world, people urgently need the Gospel. With your prayers and support, we are proclaiming Jesus Christ everywhere we can. Your gift of $40, $100, or any amount can help bring the Good News in upcoming months to spiritually hungry people in countries such as Haiti and Liberia or to North American cities such as Milwaukee, Denver, Winnipeg, and Los Angeles.
OUR GIFT TO YOU
Christians sometimes forget that the power of the Gospel is not just for salvation, but is meant for our entire lives. In his insightful book Living the Cross Centered Life, C.J. Mahaney unfolds the amazing potential available to those who keep the Gospel the main thing—every day. When you give a gift to BGEA at this time, we will send you a complimentary copy of the book as our thanks.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Local Homeless go unoticed while Ted Williams is national media frenzy
Reply To This Post
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mariners need someone to replace the late Dave Niehaus as the voice of the Mariners right? How about giving him a shot.
==========================================================================================
re:Ted Williams-Homeless man with the golden voice (Poulsbo) (Bremerton)
Date: 2011-01-07, 7:47PM PST
Reply To This Post
I find it amazing that this one guy gets so much attention, although its those in the "Business" who decided that this is what we should be focused on.
In East Bremerton in front of Walmart stands a guy name Jock Towns, he begs for change and sleeps in the woods behind Walmart, Jock is a journeyman painter with Union credentials few have obtained, He worked for me until 3 years ago, when my business closed as a result of the recession. He lost his house, and EVEDRTHING of value and turned to drinking as he became homeless. He now says people spit on him and call him names.
His face is bloated as a result of the alcohol, he weighs under 100 lbs and looks close to death. When the day comes he dies in the woods from exposure no one will care. He is a good person with a good heart, but he is already dead.
Mr "golden voice" Is VERY fortunate.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mariners need someone to replace the late Dave Niehaus as the voice of the Mariners right? How about giving him a shot.
==========================================================================================
re:Ted Williams-Homeless man with the golden voice (Poulsbo) (Bremerton)
Date: 2011-01-07, 7:47PM PST
Reply To This Post
I find it amazing that this one guy gets so much attention, although its those in the "Business" who decided that this is what we should be focused on.
In East Bremerton in front of Walmart stands a guy name Jock Towns, he begs for change and sleeps in the woods behind Walmart, Jock is a journeyman painter with Union credentials few have obtained, He worked for me until 3 years ago, when my business closed as a result of the recession. He lost his house, and EVEDRTHING of value and turned to drinking as he became homeless. He now says people spit on him and call him names.
His face is bloated as a result of the alcohol, he weighs under 100 lbs and looks close to death. When the day comes he dies in the woods from exposure no one will care. He is a good person with a good heart, but he is already dead.
Mr "golden voice" Is VERY fortunate.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Ted Williams was homeless and lost now he is found
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
What God Has to Say About the Issue of Homelessness
Homelessness is a problem. It is conceivable that every city in the United States has an issue with people living
on the street. The debate of how much responsibility the government should take for helping the homelessheated. One side of the isle will claim that these people, who are mostly drug addicts and alcoholics, are responsible for themselves. The other side will argue that as a society it is the duty of the people to help others in need. What does the Bible say about the homeless and the poor? Does God have an opinion on whether or not the impoverished are society’s responsibility?
The word “poor” occurs 205 times in 197 verses in the KJV Bible. God’s view on the poor is very clear. Before we discuss God’s commandments on how we should treat the poor, let us first look at what God’s opinion of the poor is. Jesus is an excellent example of what a poor person was in his day. In fact, it is safe to say that Jesus was a homeless person at least some of the time ( Luke 9:58). The people that Jesus associated with were homeless and poor as well. Paul, who was a close follower of Jesus wrote “even until now we…have no certain dwellingplace” ( 1 Corinthians 4:11). And finally, Paul writes that God’s only begotten Son became poor although he was rich for our sakes ( 2 Corinthians 8:9). It is very evident in just these three verses, that God loves poor people very much. If God made Jesus, his one and only Son, a poor and homeless person, then it is safe to say that God actually esteems the poor and glorifies them. ow does God want other people to view the poor and the homeless? The Bible states that God will deliver the poor from their affliction (see Psalms 107:41). Since Christians should look toward God as an example of how to live, the poor are the responsibility of the people. Most people see the poor and homeless as a burden and an eyesore. There are calls from the “nice” neighborhoods to “clean up the streets” by having the police “sweep” the street people away. When a homeless person asks a pedestrian for some spare change, a common response might be “get a job”. This is definitely not the attitude that God wants us to have toward the poor. In fact, as we will see a little later, these attitudes shall be punished. In Matthew 25 starting at verse 34, Jesus makes a very powerful statement. On judgment day in heaven, the goats shall be separated from the lambs. The goats are symbolic of the wicked and the lambs symbolize the righteous. The righteous shall reside with Jesus in heaven eternally and the wicked shall be condemned to everlasting punishment. Jesus explains that the reasoning for this is that whenever someone feeds someone who is hungry or gives drink to the thirsty, he is actually doing so unto Jesus himself (see Matthew 25:45). This verse alone makes a powerful statement of how people should treat those that are in need.When a person gives unto the poor he is actually giving unto God. God is a great rewarder of those that help the poor. In the Old Testament God actually commanded his people to help if a brother was poor and had no place to live (see Deuteronomy 15:7). Solomon wrote that if we have mercy on the poor we honor God (see Proverbs 14:31). It pleases God when we give to the poor. If more people knew that every time we gave spare change to a homeless person on the street that we are actually lending money to God himself, I think it would happen more often (see Proverbs 19:17). God actually promises that all the money that a person gives to the poor will be given back to him. In this materialistic world, most people would do anything to be rich. It is very common to sacrifice morals for monetary gain. God’s view on this is plain. It is better to be poor and wise in the Lord, than rich and unrighteous (see Proverbs 28:6).
Not only will God reward those that help the poor and homeless, but he will punish those that oppress them. Many people have been taught that it’s okay to step on people in order to move up in the
Take advantage of the poor is an attitude that God will judge. Not surprisingly, God’s very first commandment regarding treatment of the poor deals with lending money. Poor people usually are the first to ask for a loan. Because they need the money so badly, they are willing to pay a higher interest rate on the money. Interest is also known as usury. God forbids the rich to charge any interest at all to his people if they be poor (see Exodus 22:25). It is also common to pay low wages to the poor because they are so desperate for money. The Bible calls this oppression and it is also forbidden by God as we read his commandments and laws (see Deuteronomy 24:14). It is frightful what God says would happen to the man that persecutes the poor. If a person knew that oil would come into his bones because he persecuted the poor, isn’t it possible that he might refrain from doing it (see Psalms 109:16)? Ignoring the “street people” when they ask for change is also a very common response. People sometimes do not even acknowledge that they are there. God is not fond of that attitude and says that when a person ignores the cries of the poor, he will cry also and not be heard (see Proverbs 21:13).
So as we can see, God’s attitude toward the homeless is one of mercy and love. It almost seems as if we should treat these people as we are one of them. This is not so far from the truth. Paul writes that the chosen people of God are the base of the world. It is the people that are despised of the world that are called to give glory to God and do his work (see 1 Corinthians 1:28). My prayer is that governmental leaders and all people view the homeless as precious souls that can improve our character and our relationship with God. The homeless are not people to be avoided; they are there to be loved. Let’s try to treat other people the way we would like to be treated by showing mercy in their time of need.
on the street. The debate of how much responsibility the government should take for helping the homelessheated. One side of the isle will claim that these people, who are mostly drug addicts and alcoholics, are responsible for themselves. The other side will argue that as a society it is the duty of the people to help others in need. What does the Bible say about the homeless and the poor? Does God have an opinion on whether or not the impoverished are society’s responsibility?
The word “poor” occurs 205 times in 197 verses in the KJV Bible. God’s view on the poor is very clear. Before we discuss God’s commandments on how we should treat the poor, let us first look at what God’s opinion of the poor is. Jesus is an excellent example of what a poor person was in his day. In fact, it is safe to say that Jesus was a homeless person at least some of the time ( Luke 9:58). The people that Jesus associated with were homeless and poor as well. Paul, who was a close follower of Jesus wrote “even until now we…have no certain dwellingplace” ( 1 Corinthians 4:11). And finally, Paul writes that God’s only begotten Son became poor although he was rich for our sakes ( 2 Corinthians 8:9). It is very evident in just these three verses, that God loves poor people very much. If God made Jesus, his one and only Son, a poor and homeless person, then it is safe to say that God actually esteems the poor and glorifies them. ow does God want other people to view the poor and the homeless? The Bible states that God will deliver the poor from their affliction (see Psalms 107:41). Since Christians should look toward God as an example of how to live, the poor are the responsibility of the people. Most people see the poor and homeless as a burden and an eyesore. There are calls from the “nice” neighborhoods to “clean up the streets” by having the police “sweep” the street people away. When a homeless person asks a pedestrian for some spare change, a common response might be “get a job”. This is definitely not the attitude that God wants us to have toward the poor. In fact, as we will see a little later, these attitudes shall be punished. In Matthew 25 starting at verse 34, Jesus makes a very powerful statement. On judgment day in heaven, the goats shall be separated from the lambs. The goats are symbolic of the wicked and the lambs symbolize the righteous. The righteous shall reside with Jesus in heaven eternally and the wicked shall be condemned to everlasting punishment. Jesus explains that the reasoning for this is that whenever someone feeds someone who is hungry or gives drink to the thirsty, he is actually doing so unto Jesus himself (see Matthew 25:45). This verse alone makes a powerful statement of how people should treat those that are in need.When a person gives unto the poor he is actually giving unto God. God is a great rewarder of those that help the poor. In the Old Testament God actually commanded his people to help if a brother was poor and had no place to live (see Deuteronomy 15:7). Solomon wrote that if we have mercy on the poor we honor God (see Proverbs 14:31). It pleases God when we give to the poor. If more people knew that every time we gave spare change to a homeless person on the street that we are actually lending money to God himself, I think it would happen more often (see Proverbs 19:17). God actually promises that all the money that a person gives to the poor will be given back to him. In this materialistic world, most people would do anything to be rich. It is very common to sacrifice morals for monetary gain. God’s view on this is plain. It is better to be poor and wise in the Lord, than rich and unrighteous (see Proverbs 28:6).
Not only will God reward those that help the poor and homeless, but he will punish those that oppress them. Many people have been taught that it’s okay to step on people in order to move up in the
Take advantage of the poor is an attitude that God will judge. Not surprisingly, God’s very first commandment regarding treatment of the poor deals with lending money. Poor people usually are the first to ask for a loan. Because they need the money so badly, they are willing to pay a higher interest rate on the money. Interest is also known as usury. God forbids the rich to charge any interest at all to his people if they be poor (see Exodus 22:25). It is also common to pay low wages to the poor because they are so desperate for money. The Bible calls this oppression and it is also forbidden by God as we read his commandments and laws (see Deuteronomy 24:14). It is frightful what God says would happen to the man that persecutes the poor. If a person knew that oil would come into his bones because he persecuted the poor, isn’t it possible that he might refrain from doing it (see Psalms 109:16)? Ignoring the “street people” when they ask for change is also a very common response. People sometimes do not even acknowledge that they are there. God is not fond of that attitude and says that when a person ignores the cries of the poor, he will cry also and not be heard (see Proverbs 21:13).
So as we can see, God’s attitude toward the homeless is one of mercy and love. It almost seems as if we should treat these people as we are one of them. This is not so far from the truth. Paul writes that the chosen people of God are the base of the world. It is the people that are despised of the world that are called to give glory to God and do his work (see 1 Corinthians 1:28). My prayer is that governmental leaders and all people view the homeless as precious souls that can improve our character and our relationship with God. The homeless are not people to be avoided; they are there to be loved. Let’s try to treat other people the way we would like to be treated by showing mercy in their time of need.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Zacch...saved by grace or works??
In the bible, Chapter 19 in the book of Luke, is the story of Zacchaeus. He was a very rich man. A Chief tax collector. A sinner. He was drawn to Jesus. So much so, that he climbed up a tree to see Jesus. When Jesus saw Zacchaeus (Zacch), He told him that He (Jesus) wanted to go to Zacch's home to fellowship with him. Zacch was overjoyed at this and gladly had Jesus come to his home. When at his home, Zacch vowed to give half of his possessions to the poor and pay back 4 times the amount of money to anyone that he had cheated.
Then Jesus declared that salvation had come to the home of Zacchaeus.
Was Zacchaeus saved by his works? Or were his acts of charity (giving to the poor, etc.), a result of his salvation? Was he responding in love and grace to the saving grace of Jesus?
Friday, January 7, 2011
If we are the body
"Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.(Matthew 22:39)
So many people ignore the homeless, partly because they believe there is little they can do to “fix” them. And they are absolutely right. In fact, it is not God’s intention that we “fix” them any more than it is His intention that they “fix” us.
Jesus tells us that we are one body in Christ. Everyone -- rich, poor, every race, every age -- has a legitimate role to play in that body. We may go to a homeless camp or an orphanage or a rest home with the intention of helping someone else, but ultimately, we will be helping each other grow together into the body Christ envisioned from the beginning of time.
Our commonalities become striking when we knock down the false boundaries we have thrown up around our love. Think about it: every Christian is spiritually homeless. We live in temporary shelters, however modest or grandiose, waiting to take our places in the Lord’s mansion.
So many people ignore the homeless, partly because they believe there is little they can do to “fix” them. And they are absolutely right. In fact, it is not God’s intention that we “fix” them any more than it is His intention that they “fix” us.
Jesus tells us that we are one body in Christ. Everyone -- rich, poor, every race, every age -- has a legitimate role to play in that body. We may go to a homeless camp or an orphanage or a rest home with the intention of helping someone else, but ultimately, we will be helping each other grow together into the body Christ envisioned from the beginning of time.
Our commonalities become striking when we knock down the false boundaries we have thrown up around our love. Think about it: every Christian is spiritually homeless. We live in temporary shelters, however modest or grandiose, waiting to take our places in the Lord’s mansion.
How would Jesus react to the homeless???
In Leviticus 25:8-43, we see that God institutes the practice of the “Year of Jubilee” to be practiced every fifty years. God says to the nation of Israel:
“…do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God.”
(Leviticus 25:17 )“If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alienor a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. Do not take interest of any kind from him, but fear your God, so that your countrymen may continue to live among you…”
(Leviticus 25:35-36)“If one of your countrymen becomes poor among you and sells himself to you, do not make him work as a slave. He is to be treated as a hired worker or a temporary resident among you; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee”.
(Leviticus 25:39-40)
In Deuteronomy 15, we see that God’s intention will be that His people will have all debts canceled every seven years. This was appropriately called “The Year for Canceling Debts”.
Lets be honest have you ever found yourself avoiding the homeless altogether. Certainly that is the easiest thing to do, and easy to justify if you have a schedule that simply must be kept. WWJD—what would Jesus do? Would he prefer the Western way of time schedules and daily planning, or would he throw away that schedule book and take the time to listen to the hurts of the poor, to pray with them, to show them love and concern no matter how late he was to his ever-important meetings.
Lets be honest have you ever found yourself avoiding the homeless altogether. Certainly that is the easiest thing to do, and easy to justify if you have a schedule that simply must be kept. WWJD—what would Jesus do? Would he prefer the Western way of time schedules and daily planning, or would he throw away that schedule book and take the time to listen to the hurts of the poor, to pray with them, to show them love and concern no matter how late he was to his ever-important meetings.
- The poor know they are in urgent need of redemption.
- The poor know not only their dependence on God and on powerful people, but also their interdependence with one another.
- The poor rest their security not on things but on people.
- The poor have no exaggerated sense of their own importance, and no exaggerated need of privacy.
- The poor expect little from competition and much from cooperation.
- The poor can distinguish between necessities and luxuries.
- The poor can wait, because they have acquired a kind of dogged patience born of acknowledged dependence.
- The fears of the poor are more realistic and less exaggerated, because they already know that one can survive great suffering and want.
- When the poor have the Gospel preached to them, it sounds like good news and not like a threat or a scolding.
- The poor can respond to the call of the Gospel with a certain abandonment and uncomplicated totality because they have so little to lose and are ready for anything.as quoted in "The Jesus I Never Knew "by Philip Yancey, p. 115
James 2:1-9
You are sitting in church one warm Sunday morning. You got there a little early, amazingly, and actually are there early enough to watch others come through the back door to find their seats. There is Brother Jim Johnson. He’s one of the elders. Behind him comes a person you haven’t seen before. He’s dressed smartly and you are sure he must be a prominent businessman or doctor. Maybe he’s new in town. You make a mental note to meet him after the service. As you are planning what you’ll say, slowly a haggard old man shuffles through the church doors. He looks like he’s living on the streets, and an unpleasant little odor starts to find your nose. Ugh. You wonder who this forgotten fellow is, but your thoughts quickly return to the important man you will meet in another hour or so after the service.
I know this is not a common occurrence for most of us, but it makes us consider how our reaction might be if faced with an obvious choice in how we plan to treat a rich man vs. a poor one. The New Testament writer James provides ample warning for Christians in such situations…
“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, 'Here’s a good seat for you,' but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
(James 2:1-9)
Why is it the natural thing for us humans to notice those with wealth and popularity, but almost ignore those who are poor? This should not be… James tells us so; Jesus tells us so throughout the New Testament; and looking back through history we can see that God’s heart is overwhelmingly for the poor. If the Lord who we serve and try to model our lives after cares so much for the poor, then so should we.
I know this is not a common occurrence for most of us, but it makes us consider how our reaction might be if faced with an obvious choice in how we plan to treat a rich man vs. a poor one. The New Testament writer James provides ample warning for Christians in such situations…
“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, 'Here’s a good seat for you,' but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
(James 2:1-9)
Why is it the natural thing for us humans to notice those with wealth and popularity, but almost ignore those who are poor? This should not be… James tells us so; Jesus tells us so throughout the New Testament; and looking back through history we can see that God’s heart is overwhelmingly for the poor. If the Lord who we serve and try to model our lives after cares so much for the poor, then so should we.
A collection of services help local homeless population
In Kitsap County. The names of North Kitsap School District students in this article have been changed to protect their identities.
Families in Kitsap County struggling with the loss of a job or stable housing have several resources to help them through difficult times.
Acknowledging the need for help can be tough, but those who seek assistance often find an outpouring of kindness.
“There’s a lot of community awarenes and it’s a caring community,” Jim Stowers of Kitsap Community Resources said.
Kitsap Community Resources opened a new transitional housing facility in Central Kitsap on Jan. 21. Prior to the home’s opening, Stowers sent out a list of supplies he needed. The response was so overwhelming that Stowers now jokes he is afraid of being inundated with a surplus of supplies if he ever asks for more help.
“The response was absolutely amazing,” he said. “It’s really something to be thankful for.”
Kitsap Community Resources has a total of 12 transitional houses spread throughout the county, including one in North Kitsap. The facilities are meant to house families with children for up to 90 days while children for up to 90 days while they secure a more stable living situation.
“We try to take an assessment of where they stand, and try to establish goals, and in that 90 days try to bring them to a place where they’re self-sufficient,” Stowers said. “It’s not just a place to stay, it’s a place to grow.”
Much of the need for homeless assistance is also met by nonprofit groups. Catholic Community Services runs the Benedict House in Bremerton, the only emergency and transitional housing facility in the county for homeless single men and men with children. Saint Vincent de Paul focuses its housing efforts on women in need. Several other organizations offer showers, warm clothing and help with things like utility payments.
The North Kitsap Fishline food bank in Poulsbo, and ShareNet in Kingston provide meal packages for individuals and families. Many food banks have seen an increase in demand in recent years, but not everyone who needs help is willing to ask for it.
“We used to donate for the food bank, now we need to use the food bank,” said Kaley Burns, a student at Spectrum Community School in Kingston whose parents have struggled with unemployment. “But my mom won’t use it. She thinks there’s more people that need to use it than us.”
Asking for help can be humbling, but it can also relieve pressure caused by strained budgets, a concern that’s becoming more commonplace.
“When my mom first used (the food bank), she felt really bad, but then she realized how poor we were, because we barely had 20 bucks to last us the week,” said Ricky O’Brien, a Spectrum student who has experienced homelessness in the past. “I’ve pretty much lived off of food banks and everything else for all my life, even now. It’s just not as much now.”
In addition to food banks, Kitsap County has several feeding programs for people who would otherwise be forced to skip meals. In North Kitsap, First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo hosts a free dinner at 5 p.m. every Thursday. North Kitsap Baptist Church has a free meal from 5-7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. And the Suquamish Community Kitchen also offers free food from 5-7 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month.
The Kitsap Continuum of Care Coalition also connects people with homeless and low-income services. On Jan. 28-29, the group teamed up with Americorps and other local organizations to perform an annual “point-in-time” count of homeless people in Kitsap County. The count helps local advocacy groups determine what the community’s needs are and where those needs are greatest. The coalition is still tabulating the final numbers in this year’s count. Last year, they identified 937 homeless people in the county, and they expect a similar amount this year. Those numbers fluctuate often, as people’s situations change.
“Everybody realizes it’s a point in time count, so it’s not a definitive number, even when we get the final numbers,” Coalition Coordinator Terry Schroeder said.
The centerpiece of the count was an event called Project Connect, held at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Homeless people and anyone in need of transitional housing were invited to the Kitsap Pavilion to spend the night, receive clothing, blankets and services, and get connected to shelters. Nearly 200 people came to the event this year.
“To me,” Schroeder said, “just having one person say they got the help they needed at that event makes it worth it in my mind.”
Where to find resources
To get connected with a shelter or other services, call Kitsap Community Resources at (360) 478-2301, visit the office at 845 8th St., Bremerton, or contact Kitsap’s Continuum of Care Coalition at (360) 473-2028 or at 1201 Park Ave., Bremerton.
Families in Kitsap County struggling with the loss of a job or stable housing have several resources to help them through difficult times.
Acknowledging the need for help can be tough, but those who seek assistance often find an outpouring of kindness.
“There’s a lot of community awarenes and it’s a caring community,” Jim Stowers of Kitsap Community Resources said.
Kitsap Community Resources opened a new transitional housing facility in Central Kitsap on Jan. 21. Prior to the home’s opening, Stowers sent out a list of supplies he needed. The response was so overwhelming that Stowers now jokes he is afraid of being inundated with a surplus of supplies if he ever asks for more help.
“The response was absolutely amazing,” he said. “It’s really something to be thankful for.”
Kitsap Community Resources has a total of 12 transitional houses spread throughout the county, including one in North Kitsap. The facilities are meant to house families with children for up to 90 days while children for up to 90 days while they secure a more stable living situation.
“We try to take an assessment of where they stand, and try to establish goals, and in that 90 days try to bring them to a place where they’re self-sufficient,” Stowers said. “It’s not just a place to stay, it’s a place to grow.”
Much of the need for homeless assistance is also met by nonprofit groups. Catholic Community Services runs the Benedict House in Bremerton, the only emergency and transitional housing facility in the county for homeless single men and men with children. Saint Vincent de Paul focuses its housing efforts on women in need. Several other organizations offer showers, warm clothing and help with things like utility payments.
The North Kitsap Fishline food bank in Poulsbo, and ShareNet in Kingston provide meal packages for individuals and families. Many food banks have seen an increase in demand in recent years, but not everyone who needs help is willing to ask for it.
“We used to donate for the food bank, now we need to use the food bank,” said Kaley Burns, a student at Spectrum Community School in Kingston whose parents have struggled with unemployment. “But my mom won’t use it. She thinks there’s more people that need to use it than us.”
Asking for help can be humbling, but it can also relieve pressure caused by strained budgets, a concern that’s becoming more commonplace.
“When my mom first used (the food bank), she felt really bad, but then she realized how poor we were, because we barely had 20 bucks to last us the week,” said Ricky O’Brien, a Spectrum student who has experienced homelessness in the past. “I’ve pretty much lived off of food banks and everything else for all my life, even now. It’s just not as much now.”
In addition to food banks, Kitsap County has several feeding programs for people who would otherwise be forced to skip meals. In North Kitsap, First Lutheran Church of Poulsbo hosts a free dinner at 5 p.m. every Thursday. North Kitsap Baptist Church has a free meal from 5-7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. And the Suquamish Community Kitchen also offers free food from 5-7 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month.
The Kitsap Continuum of Care Coalition also connects people with homeless and low-income services. On Jan. 28-29, the group teamed up with Americorps and other local organizations to perform an annual “point-in-time” count of homeless people in Kitsap County. The count helps local advocacy groups determine what the community’s needs are and where those needs are greatest. The coalition is still tabulating the final numbers in this year’s count. Last year, they identified 937 homeless people in the county, and they expect a similar amount this year. Those numbers fluctuate often, as people’s situations change.
“Everybody realizes it’s a point in time count, so it’s not a definitive number, even when we get the final numbers,” Coalition Coordinator Terry Schroeder said.
The centerpiece of the count was an event called Project Connect, held at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Homeless people and anyone in need of transitional housing were invited to the Kitsap Pavilion to spend the night, receive clothing, blankets and services, and get connected to shelters. Nearly 200 people came to the event this year.
“To me,” Schroeder said, “just having one person say they got the help they needed at that event makes it worth it in my mind.”
Where to find resources
To get connected with a shelter or other services, call Kitsap Community Resources at (360) 478-2301, visit the office at 845 8th St., Bremerton, or contact Kitsap’s Continuum of Care Coalition at (360) 473-2028 or at 1201 Park Ave., Bremerton.
Awareness week
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
November 15th - 19th 2010
Want your week to be successful?
Download the Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Toolkit here.
We will only eradicate hunger and homelessness by building a movement from the ground up - a movement comprised of a diverse population that demands an end to these unnecessary social ills.
By educating the public and future decision-makers, the National Student Campaign builds awareness that will help dismantle stereotypes and misinformation about homelessness, hunger, and the root causes of poverty. Once individuals have a better understanding of these problems, they are inspired to take action by volunteering, donating funds or resources, writing to their local newspaper, or calling their member of Congress. Each action brings us one step closer to ending hunger and homelessness.
Co-sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week consists of a series of events designed to educate the campus community, increase community service, and build campus and community coalitions. More than 500 campuses and communities participate in this week during the week before Thanksgiving each year by organizing education, service and advocacy events.
Register your school to participate in the 2010 Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week
Contact Person:
Organization Name:
School:
Location:
(City, State, ZIP)
Email:
Phone:
What events are you planning this year?
Has your organization planned H & H Week events in the past? If so, for how many years and what have you done? Please list specific highlights:
The Campaign is committed to ending hunger and homelessness in America by educating, engaging, and training students to directly meet individuals' immediate needs while advocating for long-term systemic solutions. Privacy Policy
November 15th - 19th 2010
Want your week to be successful?
Download the Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Toolkit here.
We will only eradicate hunger and homelessness by building a movement from the ground up - a movement comprised of a diverse population that demands an end to these unnecessary social ills.
By educating the public and future decision-makers, the National Student Campaign builds awareness that will help dismantle stereotypes and misinformation about homelessness, hunger, and the root causes of poverty. Once individuals have a better understanding of these problems, they are inspired to take action by volunteering, donating funds or resources, writing to their local newspaper, or calling their member of Congress. Each action brings us one step closer to ending hunger and homelessness.
Co-sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness, Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week consists of a series of events designed to educate the campus community, increase community service, and build campus and community coalitions. More than 500 campuses and communities participate in this week during the week before Thanksgiving each year by organizing education, service and advocacy events.
Register your school to participate in the 2010 Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week
Contact Person:
Organization Name:
School:
Location:
(City, State, ZIP)
Email:
Phone:
What events are you planning this year?
Has your organization planned H & H Week events in the past? If so, for how many years and what have you done? Please list specific highlights:
The Campaign is committed to ending hunger and homelessness in America by educating, engaging, and training students to directly meet individuals' immediate needs while advocating for long-term systemic solutions. Privacy Policy
Safe Park in Poulsbo for homeless
‘Safe park’ for Poulsbo’s homeless is a good start
Last week the Poulsbo City Council discussed setting up a “safe park” area to give those people living in their cars a place to sleep overnight. The safe park would allow them to park without being targeted by criminals or breaking the law themselves. It also would grant them access to restroom facilities and — here’s the step in the right direction — a case worker.
The case worker, we’re presuming, would be able to give those who are homeless access to services from which they can benefit. The goal, of course, is to move them from their cars into a permanent home, according to Leif Bentsen, human services planner for the county Department of Personnel and Human Services.
“Living in your car is not a solution,” he said. “It gets them in the loop of getting out.”
He and homeless advocate Sally Santana were at a meeting last week at Olympic College during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week to promote the idea.
This Friday, when those who are blessed with an abundance are mobbing shopping malls and fighting off tryptophan sluggishness, we have a need for pause.
There are those right here in our communities who don’t have a roof over their heads or enough to eat. We need to reach out to them; to give them the resources they need to turn their lives around.
A safe place to park their cars at night and a case worker to act as their advocate is a good start.
Last week the Poulsbo City Council discussed setting up a “safe park” area to give those people living in their cars a place to sleep overnight. The safe park would allow them to park without being targeted by criminals or breaking the law themselves. It also would grant them access to restroom facilities and — here’s the step in the right direction — a case worker.
The case worker, we’re presuming, would be able to give those who are homeless access to services from which they can benefit. The goal, of course, is to move them from their cars into a permanent home, according to Leif Bentsen, human services planner for the county Department of Personnel and Human Services.
“Living in your car is not a solution,” he said. “It gets them in the loop of getting out.”
He and homeless advocate Sally Santana were at a meeting last week at Olympic College during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week to promote the idea.
This Friday, when those who are blessed with an abundance are mobbing shopping malls and fighting off tryptophan sluggishness, we have a need for pause.
There are those right here in our communities who don’t have a roof over their heads or enough to eat. We need to reach out to them; to give them the resources they need to turn their lives around.
A safe place to park their cars at night and a case worker to act as their advocate is a good start.
POULSBO SEES RISE IN HOMELESS NUMBERS
POULSBO SEES RISE IN HOMELESS NUMBERS
by Tammy Adamson-McMullen
Media coverage last year about the death of Chris T. Christensen, a homeless man who lived in a tent near the 305 on-ramp onto Highway 3 South, surprised some Poulsbo residents who didn’t realize Little Norway even had a homeless population.
Although not always visible on the streets, Poulsbo’s homeless population is on the rise, say the agencies trying to help.
“Most of our homeless live in the woods,” said Bob Middlebrook, executive director of Poulsbo’s Sound Works Job Center. “We also have a class of homeless people who are called ‘couch surfers.’ They live with friends or relatives until they are kicked out.”
The newly unemployed are particularly vulnerable to homelessness. Middlebrook said he was approached just recently by two unemployed landscapers fearful that, unless they found jobs quickly, they would be living out of their cars.
“They had the skills,” Middlebrook said, “but I had no jobs to put them in.”
These cases aren’t unique. People come to Sound Works everyday with similar stories.
Middlebrook reported that there is a group of newly homeless, based out of Poulsbo, who already are living in their cars and park together at night in available lots.
As the weather turned bitterly cold last month, shelter became available at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Organized by the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management and the Kitsap County Continuum of Care Coalition, the shelter is to remain open as long as the cold snap continues. The shelter offers food, hot coffee and a place to sleep.
Additionally, there has been talk of organizing a shelter in Poulsbo at the First Lutheran Church. Connie Lord, a church member, has been involved at the Fairgrounds shelter and is looking to open something similar, drawing on volunteer help. The church office confirmed that the shelter is still in the “talking” stages.
First Lutheran currently serves as a Red Cross emergency shelter.
Wherever it comes from, assistance is desperately needed, said Karen Timken, executive director of North Kitsap Fishline.
Timken reported that the food bank has seen an increase in newly homeless clients as the economy has worsened. By October of last year, the agency had spent roughly $57,250 on services for the homeless as well as to help clients with rent, utilities and medical co-pays.
“Client services expenses are up 626 percent over 2007,” Timken reported.
Lori Oberlander, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County, said many of the applications the organization is receiving for housing requests are from people who have just recently lost their jobs or benefits.
“About 30 percent are recently laid off and trying to get services,” she said.
When there are more qualified applicants than available housing lots, Habitat scores the applicants according to their need, ability to pay and willingness to partner with Habitat in building the home. “Then, we simply take as many as we can, starting with the highest scores, and work our way down to the ones with the lowest scores,” she said.
Among those who have faced the very real possibility of not having a roof over their heads is Megan (last name withheld), a recently divorced mother with two boys, ages 5 and 10.
Megan graduated last year from Olympic College’s nursing program and was studying for her nursing board exams when her father fell ill with pancreatic cancer.
“I was being supported by my parents financially until I could get a nursing job, but with my dad’s illness, that changed,” she said.
Megan put her board exams on hold to help care for her father. She also took two jobs serving food at local restaurants to help pay the bills. But the pay wasn’t enough.
“The economy is so bad that people aren’t dining out anymore,” Megan said. As a result, “I couldn’t afford my rent, my car payment or food,” she said. “And my parents weren’t able to help in any way; they actually needed my help. Everything was spiraling downhill …”
Just as her situation was getting desperate, Megan ended up being accepted into Mutual Self-Help Program of the Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority (KCCHA).
The program allows income-eligible applicants the opportunity to own their own homes by joining with other applicants to build each others’ homes with help and training from KCCHA. In exchange, the applicants receive reduced mortgage payments that are based on their income and not on current interest rates.
Megan also received assistance from Fishline, which helped pay the insurance on her new home and assisted with other expenses.
As a result of the help she received, Megan recently moved into her new home and has begun studying to take her board exams. She noted that the KCCHA program, with Fishline’s help, threw her a lifeline. Many of Megan’s friends also are in need of that lifeline, she added.
“I have a friend who's a painter who just got laid off, one who works for a newspaper who just got laid off and one who works for a restaurant who just got laid off,” she said. “All of these people are good, hard-working people … and they’re panicked.”
Meanwhile, Megan is thrilled that she and the boys have a roof over their heads that they can call their own.
“Getting a house is life-changing,” she said.
ASSISTANCE CONTACTS
For information about the KCCHA self-build program, visit http://www.kccha.org/selfhelp/selfhelp.htm. KCCHA’s self-build neighborhood in Poulsbo is located at the corner of Mesford and Noll roads.
To reach Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County, visit kitsaphabitat.org.
For food and other assistance, visit North Kitsap Fishline at at 18916 Third Ave. NE in Poulsbo.
For help in finding employment, contact Sound Works Job Center at (360) 779-1160. Sound Works also maintains a database of contacts for health, food, clothing and medical services and other assistance through nonprofit agencies. Sound Works is located at 19131 Eighth Ave., next to the Poulsbo Library.
by Tammy Adamson-McMullen
Media coverage last year about the death of Chris T. Christensen, a homeless man who lived in a tent near the 305 on-ramp onto Highway 3 South, surprised some Poulsbo residents who didn’t realize Little Norway even had a homeless population.
Although not always visible on the streets, Poulsbo’s homeless population is on the rise, say the agencies trying to help.
“Most of our homeless live in the woods,” said Bob Middlebrook, executive director of Poulsbo’s Sound Works Job Center. “We also have a class of homeless people who are called ‘couch surfers.’ They live with friends or relatives until they are kicked out.”
The newly unemployed are particularly vulnerable to homelessness. Middlebrook said he was approached just recently by two unemployed landscapers fearful that, unless they found jobs quickly, they would be living out of their cars.
“They had the skills,” Middlebrook said, “but I had no jobs to put them in.”
These cases aren’t unique. People come to Sound Works everyday with similar stories.
Middlebrook reported that there is a group of newly homeless, based out of Poulsbo, who already are living in their cars and park together at night in available lots.
As the weather turned bitterly cold last month, shelter became available at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. Organized by the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management and the Kitsap County Continuum of Care Coalition, the shelter is to remain open as long as the cold snap continues. The shelter offers food, hot coffee and a place to sleep.
Additionally, there has been talk of organizing a shelter in Poulsbo at the First Lutheran Church. Connie Lord, a church member, has been involved at the Fairgrounds shelter and is looking to open something similar, drawing on volunteer help. The church office confirmed that the shelter is still in the “talking” stages.
First Lutheran currently serves as a Red Cross emergency shelter.
Wherever it comes from, assistance is desperately needed, said Karen Timken, executive director of North Kitsap Fishline.
Timken reported that the food bank has seen an increase in newly homeless clients as the economy has worsened. By October of last year, the agency had spent roughly $57,250 on services for the homeless as well as to help clients with rent, utilities and medical co-pays.
“Client services expenses are up 626 percent over 2007,” Timken reported.
Lori Oberlander, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County, said many of the applications the organization is receiving for housing requests are from people who have just recently lost their jobs or benefits.
“About 30 percent are recently laid off and trying to get services,” she said.
When there are more qualified applicants than available housing lots, Habitat scores the applicants according to their need, ability to pay and willingness to partner with Habitat in building the home. “Then, we simply take as many as we can, starting with the highest scores, and work our way down to the ones with the lowest scores,” she said.
Among those who have faced the very real possibility of not having a roof over their heads is Megan (last name withheld), a recently divorced mother with two boys, ages 5 and 10.
Megan graduated last year from Olympic College’s nursing program and was studying for her nursing board exams when her father fell ill with pancreatic cancer.
“I was being supported by my parents financially until I could get a nursing job, but with my dad’s illness, that changed,” she said.
Megan put her board exams on hold to help care for her father. She also took two jobs serving food at local restaurants to help pay the bills. But the pay wasn’t enough.
“The economy is so bad that people aren’t dining out anymore,” Megan said. As a result, “I couldn’t afford my rent, my car payment or food,” she said. “And my parents weren’t able to help in any way; they actually needed my help. Everything was spiraling downhill …”
Just as her situation was getting desperate, Megan ended up being accepted into Mutual Self-Help Program of the Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority (KCCHA).
The program allows income-eligible applicants the opportunity to own their own homes by joining with other applicants to build each others’ homes with help and training from KCCHA. In exchange, the applicants receive reduced mortgage payments that are based on their income and not on current interest rates.
Megan also received assistance from Fishline, which helped pay the insurance on her new home and assisted with other expenses.
As a result of the help she received, Megan recently moved into her new home and has begun studying to take her board exams. She noted that the KCCHA program, with Fishline’s help, threw her a lifeline. Many of Megan’s friends also are in need of that lifeline, she added.
“I have a friend who's a painter who just got laid off, one who works for a newspaper who just got laid off and one who works for a restaurant who just got laid off,” she said. “All of these people are good, hard-working people … and they’re panicked.”
Meanwhile, Megan is thrilled that she and the boys have a roof over their heads that they can call their own.
“Getting a house is life-changing,” she said.
ASSISTANCE CONTACTS
For information about the KCCHA self-build program, visit http://www.kccha.org/selfhelp/selfhelp.htm. KCCHA’s self-build neighborhood in Poulsbo is located at the corner of Mesford and Noll roads.
To reach Habitat for Humanity of Kitsap County, visit kitsaphabitat.org.
For food and other assistance, visit North Kitsap Fishline at at 18916 Third Ave. NE in Poulsbo.
For help in finding employment, contact Sound Works Job Center at (360) 779-1160. Sound Works also maintains a database of contacts for health, food, clothing and medical services and other assistance through nonprofit agencies. Sound Works is located at 19131 Eighth Ave., next to the Poulsbo Library.
Terry Douglas and staff helps
erry Douglas and Crew Help the Homeless at Poulsbo Inn September 20, 2009
I went by the Poulsbo Inn about 12:30 p.m. today and sure enough there was a garage sale there to benefit the Chris Christensen Fund. I went in and introduced my self to three gals who were working the sale. I met Terry Douglas who manages the Inn and she told me Chris Christensen stayed there one night each month on the dime of the Vets. I guess Chris served our nation that way.
The other 29 days of the month Chris stayed out in the cloverleaf on Hwy 305. Terry and her employees got to know Chris and they became family. How cool is that?! Now, with Chris having died, apparently of a failed liver (according to the good folks at Poulsbo Red Apple, who also were very kind to Chris), Terry and her crew raise funds to let others who are in Chris’ shoes stay at the Poulsbo Inn. Now is that cool??
Terry told me they plan to do the garage sales periodically. Now, if you want to help Terry and her cre, you can give to the Bremerton Rescue Mission (www.bremrescue.org) and just note on your gift ‘Chris Christensen Fund’ and we’ll make sure Terry Douglas
Poulsbo Inn
gets your gift so that people who need a place to stay can stay at the Poulsbo Inn.
Poulsbo Inn – www.poulsboinn.com
I went by the Poulsbo Inn about 12:30 p.m. today and sure enough there was a garage sale there to benefit the Chris Christensen Fund. I went in and introduced my self to three gals who were working the sale. I met Terry Douglas who manages the Inn and she told me Chris Christensen stayed there one night each month on the dime of the Vets. I guess Chris served our nation that way.
The other 29 days of the month Chris stayed out in the cloverleaf on Hwy 305. Terry and her employees got to know Chris and they became family. How cool is that?! Now, with Chris having died, apparently of a failed liver (according to the good folks at Poulsbo Red Apple, who also were very kind to Chris), Terry and her crew raise funds to let others who are in Chris’ shoes stay at the Poulsbo Inn. Now is that cool??
Terry told me they plan to do the garage sales periodically. Now, if you want to help Terry and her cre, you can give to the Bremerton Rescue Mission (www.bremrescue.org) and just note on your gift ‘Chris Christensen Fund’ and we’ll make sure Terry Douglas
Poulsbo Inn
gets your gift so that people who need a place to stay can stay at the Poulsbo Inn.
Poulsbo Inn – www.poulsboinn.com
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Homeless with a golden voice
Ted Williams’ voice, is so deep, so compelling and so rare, that in just couple of days he has gone from being homeless to famous.
The former morning drive DJ, spent only a short time pursuing his dream job before destroying his life and career with drugs and alcohol.
But after a YouTube video of him panhandling surfaced on Monday, the Brooklyn-born Williams has since been offered a job by the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and is being pursued by NFL Films for voiceover work. So far, more than 4 million people have watched the video.
Tomorrow he is appearing live in the studio of the "Today" show and will be reunited with his 90-year-old mother who he has not seen since 1986.
"All I wanted was a job and possibly a place to live and maybe be a productive taxpaying citizen again," Williams, 53, told The Post yesterday. "This thing has turned into something of such a magnitude that I can’t even comprehend it."
He says he has lived on the streets of Columbus, Ohio since 1996 and been sober for just over two years.
"Whoever you are, I appreciate everything that has happened to me in this one day," he said. "Because you never know what is going to happen the next. If I don’t get nothing out of nothing, at least I get some prayers answered. One of them is that my mom would live enough to see me be successful."
Ted Williams, a homeless man who is the subject of viral video that has captivated the internet at large, has been offered a full-time job and a mortgage on a home by Quicken Loans Arena and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A woman named Tracy, representing Quicken Loans and the Cavaliers, called WNCI 97.9 on Wednesday morning and made the offer. CNBC's Darren Rovell confirmed the authenticity of the offer on Twitter. Williams was inundated with offers throughout his appearance, so there is no word whether the offer has been accepted or signed at this point.
Williams story became a viral sensation on Tuesday with the original YouTube clip reaching more than four million views in 24 hours. He was found by a Columbus Dispatch reporter on the side of the road, using his incredible voice to collect money on the street. You can watch the original clip here.
The Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena are offering voiceover work in radio and television along with a new website launch that will require voiceover work from Williams.
You can hear the interview with Ted Williams on WNCI by clicking here.
The Cavaliers offer does not figure to be the last one that Williams receives. According to Rovell on Twitter, NFL Films is looking to contact the man dubbed the "Homeless D.J." about work. Williams is also sorting through numerous opportunities for other appearance on national TV and radio, which could result in further offers in the days to come.
ed Williams, a homeless man with a voice made for radio, has a job and a house after a YouTube video report by the Columbus Dispatch went viral.
Ted Williams panhandles, or panhandled, in Cleveland, OH. He has become an Internet sensation after Columbus Dispatch reporter Kevin Joy posted a clip of Williams on YouTube. The clip showed how Williams, who would panhandle with the help of a sign that advertised his "God-given gift of voice," sounded, and it was much like you would expect on radio or voiceover work.
The cardboard sign, which Ted Williams would use to attract attention, said:
"I HAVE A GOD GIVEN GIFT OF VOICE. I'M AN EX-RADIO ANNOUNCER WHO HAS FALLEN ON HARD TIMES. PLEASE! ANY HELP WILL BE GREATEFULLY (sic) APPRECIATED. THANK YOU!"
In the interview with the Columbus Dispatch, Williams said it was alcohol and drugs that led to his homelessness. He added that he had been clean for two years.
He's already received an offer from the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he hasn't accepted it yet. It's been reported that MTV, NFL Films, and ESPN, among others, have reached out to Williams, as well.
At the same time, he's making the rounds of morning shows. Ted Williams appeared on CBS' The Early Show on Wednesday, and will appear on The Today Show on Thursday.
If you listen to Williams' voice, you will indeed notice the timber and tones which make you believe, indeed "this is a homeless man with a radio voice."
The former morning drive DJ, spent only a short time pursuing his dream job before destroying his life and career with drugs and alcohol.
But after a YouTube video of him panhandling surfaced on Monday, the Brooklyn-born Williams has since been offered a job by the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and is being pursued by NFL Films for voiceover work. So far, more than 4 million people have watched the video.
Tomorrow he is appearing live in the studio of the "Today" show and will be reunited with his 90-year-old mother who he has not seen since 1986.
"All I wanted was a job and possibly a place to live and maybe be a productive taxpaying citizen again," Williams, 53, told The Post yesterday. "This thing has turned into something of such a magnitude that I can’t even comprehend it."
He says he has lived on the streets of Columbus, Ohio since 1996 and been sober for just over two years.
"Whoever you are, I appreciate everything that has happened to me in this one day," he said. "Because you never know what is going to happen the next. If I don’t get nothing out of nothing, at least I get some prayers answered. One of them is that my mom would live enough to see me be successful."
Ted Williams, a homeless man who is the subject of viral video that has captivated the internet at large, has been offered a full-time job and a mortgage on a home by Quicken Loans Arena and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A woman named Tracy, representing Quicken Loans and the Cavaliers, called WNCI 97.9 on Wednesday morning and made the offer. CNBC's Darren Rovell confirmed the authenticity of the offer on Twitter. Williams was inundated with offers throughout his appearance, so there is no word whether the offer has been accepted or signed at this point.
Williams story became a viral sensation on Tuesday with the original YouTube clip reaching more than four million views in 24 hours. He was found by a Columbus Dispatch reporter on the side of the road, using his incredible voice to collect money on the street. You can watch the original clip here.
The Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena are offering voiceover work in radio and television along with a new website launch that will require voiceover work from Williams.
You can hear the interview with Ted Williams on WNCI by clicking here.
The Cavaliers offer does not figure to be the last one that Williams receives. According to Rovell on Twitter, NFL Films is looking to contact the man dubbed the "Homeless D.J." about work. Williams is also sorting through numerous opportunities for other appearance on national TV and radio, which could result in further offers in the days to come.
ed Williams, a homeless man with a voice made for radio, has a job and a house after a YouTube video report by the Columbus Dispatch went viral.
Ted Williams panhandles, or panhandled, in Cleveland, OH. He has become an Internet sensation after Columbus Dispatch reporter Kevin Joy posted a clip of Williams on YouTube. The clip showed how Williams, who would panhandle with the help of a sign that advertised his "God-given gift of voice," sounded, and it was much like you would expect on radio or voiceover work.
The cardboard sign, which Ted Williams would use to attract attention, said:
"I HAVE A GOD GIVEN GIFT OF VOICE. I'M AN EX-RADIO ANNOUNCER WHO HAS FALLEN ON HARD TIMES. PLEASE! ANY HELP WILL BE GREATEFULLY (sic) APPRECIATED. THANK YOU!"
In the interview with the Columbus Dispatch, Williams said it was alcohol and drugs that led to his homelessness. He added that he had been clean for two years.
He's already received an offer from the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he hasn't accepted it yet. It's been reported that MTV, NFL Films, and ESPN, among others, have reached out to Williams, as well.
At the same time, he's making the rounds of morning shows. Ted Williams appeared on CBS' The Early Show on Wednesday, and will appear on The Today Show on Thursday.
If you listen to Williams' voice, you will indeed notice the timber and tones which make you believe, indeed "this is a homeless man with a radio voice."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)