Dramatic Rise in Women, Children Homeless

Last November, The Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, of which Union Mission is a proud charter member, released its 20th annual survey of the homeless. What it found was dramatic.

According to the study,

Women with children made up 66 percent of the homeless families counted in the survey, a jump from 55 percent in 2007 and the highest figure recorded in the last eight years.

This was, to say the least, alarming news. Union Mission exists--as does AGRM--because we recognize the need to serve and minister to what Jesus called "the least of these."

In today's language, we minister to those "at-risk" segments of the population. What's so troubling is to see two segments merging. Women with children are our most at-risk people, and they represent the highest segment of homeless families. What's worse, that number is increasing.

Sure, we're all God's children. Men. Women. Children. But isn't there something to be said for ensuring that we take care of those who face the biggets obstacles to helping themselves? Indeed, that's the crux of Christ's call to His followers to practice social justice.

Now, as our recession deepens, shouldn't we focus all that much more on providing the helping hand of love to those who most need it? That's our mission.

What's yours?

Some thoughts for discussion:

* In what ways can you actively help hurting families in your community...specifically women with children?

* Financial support is so important to service providers. For you, personally, is it enough? It's OK if it is. Providing assistance is a deeply personal decision. How did you come to that decision?

* How might the 2009 AGRM Survey of the Homeless look? Will this trend continue? What steps can we take to combat it?

* What are the root causes of homelessness for women with children? Are they the same as for single men? Are they the same as for single fathers? Why or why not?

We invite you to share your thoughts by commenting right here to join us in having this important conversation. Or, you can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube, among others.