Roots & fruits: why so many homelessness charities were set up by churches

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In a recent article, I wrote about the old, battered bible I bought in 1993, the first year I started working with people who were homeless. It was an anecdotal and subjective piece focussed on how this book has been a companion to me personally over the last 32 years.

And though authentic faith is always personal, it is never private. And I wanted to write a follow-up focusing on the wider, collective influence that the Bible has been on the forming of organisations which have become what is now termed ‘the homeless sector’. Something more factual and objective.

And it is a matter of historical fact that most charities established to address homelessness been set up by committed Christians.  These logos represent just some examples:

It can be tempting to assume this is just a piece of history, a natural consequence from a previously more religious age when Christianity saturated UK culture.

But this would be wrong, because churches have continued to create countless new charities and initiatives responding to homelessness and poverty during a period where faith has become more marginal.  The charity I work for, Hope into Action, formed in 2010, is just one example.

The most significant factor

So what are the reasons for the enduring connection between Christian faith and homelessness?  Why is theology and beliefs even relevant to social problems of destitution and poverty?

The most important factor is the content of the Bible itself. Whatever people’s personal beliefs are, I would argue that the Bible has been by far the most influential document in shaping society’s response to homelessness. It is therefore worthy of attention and analysis.

I will share 8 key themes, each supported by an one example from the biblical text, which underpins the enduring commitment of Christians to this work. I hope this is helpful to both believers who need reminding, and also to non-believers who are interested in understanding better the motivations of people of faith. 

1. Every person’s individual worth

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” Genesis 1:27

Every single human being is bears the image of God and is endowed with intrinsic, infinite value. However scarred and marred this image becomes, nothing can obliterate this mark of the divine.

2. Systems of welfare and justice

“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap all the way to the edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the foreign resident. I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 23:22

Hebrew law included in-built welfare systems relating to how crops were to be harvested, debts cancelled and limits put on accumulating land. These were all designed to curb the excesses of greed and address destitution.

3. Direct action for justice and compassion

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice…to set the oppressed free…Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them?” Isaiah 58:6-7

The Hebrew prophets, such as Isaiah, continually railed against the oppression of the poor and express God’s contempt of religious practices which maintain injustice and ignore the plight of the vulnerable.

4. Loving your neighbour in need

“But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds…put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.” Luke 10:33

In response to a clever, academic question designed to catch him out, Jesus tells a story to show that anyone in need, whatever their ethnicity or status, is your neighbour.

5. The homeless Christ

“Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Luke 9:58

Jesus, the ‘author and perfector’ of the faith himself faced the insecurity of no permanent address. Solidarity with human suffering is fundamental to Jesus’ victory – and a radical example to his followers.

6. Welcome and hospitality

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

The early church expressed its convictions about Jesus’ resurrection by being an outward-looking community, displaying grace and hospitality across racial divides. This was a radical new way of being human in the ancient world.

7. The basis of God’s judgement

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father…for I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:34-36

Jesus’ story of the basis of God’s judgement at the end of time emphasises the ultimate importance of how we treat those in need.

8. Grace, truth and redemption

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20

Whatever people have done, God’s grace is always available to all who turn and accept the truth. Redemption and reconciliation are at the heart of the Christian gospel.

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Fruits and roots

These are my 8 examples of why the Bible has been so influential in motivating generations of Christians to provide practical help to people affected by homelessness.

Of course, people of faith do not have any monopoly on compassionate action, but it is important to acknowledge the Bible’s incredible influence.

Too often, we want to celebrate the inclusive fruits of action without acknowledging the theological roots from which they have grown.

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Based on a talk I gave at a British Academy conference at Lincoln University on ‘Representing Homelessness’.

I was recently on the Jubilee+ podcast: State of the Nation: housing and homelessness