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NO ROOM AT THE INN

© Bea Sheftel

Most of us know the story of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem for the census only to find there was no room at the inn. They gave birth to the Christ child in a stable. This story shows God's love for the poorest of the poor. He allowed His son to be born in a stable as a sign of hope for all the world, not just the wealthy.

Homeless men, women and children need our help. The lucky ones live in shelters where they can obtain clean clothes, a hot meal, and a warm bed. Others live on the street surviving as best they can.

A walk through Manhattan in New York City is enlightening. The homeless sleep over steam grates to keep warm in winter. They are bundled in old clothes and rags. Their possessions are stored in plastic bags they keep close or shopping carts. Hidden further away from prying eyes are the younger homeless. Some are with a parent, others are on their own. In one of the richest cities of the world they eat out of garbage cans and trash bins. There are roundups, especially in winter. Police drag the homeless away to shelters. If you wonder why they don't willingly go to shelters the answer is found in the impersonal treatment in public shelters, the lack of privacy and protection. For those on the streets with children there is the fear of their children being taken away from them.

Homelessness is not only found in the big cities. Here in Connecticut, in the suburban community of Manchester, there are many homeless. For years they wondered the streets begging for food. Some kept warm in the library even sleeping in the comfortable wing back chairs until the library closed the reading room.

Many found a place to sleep in the parks or cemeteries until the police found them. There were make-shift homeless shelters built on Case mountain until the police discovered them and had them dismantled.

The town decided to do something to help. The Manchester Area Council of Churches led the way with taxpayer support and other donations. They opened the first shelter in our town. Unfortunately it wasn't for families. Only adults could stay at the shelter. Anyone with children risked losing them to the system.

The Council continues to do what it can to help the homeless people. The shelter offers food, clothing, television and social service resources. They help find people jobs while allowing them to remain at the shelter until they have the money saved for an apartment. Working homeless contribute a portion of their weekly salary to a fund to provide their initial rent requirements.