The Welcome Mat Is Out
Life for chronically homeless men is a daily battle for survival. They sleep in abandoned houses, bridges or parks any spot they can find, says Men’s Ministries Director Lee Berns. In the winter, they layer their clothing to keep warm, but sometimes we have deaths due to the cold.
Often, the men’s health deteriorates, and they are victims of violent crime. The men don’t want to take their shoes and socks off because they are afraid someone will steal them, so we see a lot of foot fungus and infections, Lee says. One guy took his shoes off, and he had maggots between his toes.
Despite the hardships they suffer, the chronically homeless often have trouble envisioning life off the streets. Some can’t find work because they are too sick or too old. Others are crippled by alcoholism or drug addiction. Some have been so badly damaged by life, they have lost hope.
To reach this hardened group of homeless men, we’ve launched an exciting new ministry that is having dramatic results. Read more about how God is working through City Union Mission’s RECON to change lives.
