‘I shall make them into one nation in my own land and on the mountains of Israel.’
(see Ezekiel 37:21-28)
The average age of death for people experiencing homelessness is 46 for men and 42 for women. People sleeping on the streets are almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence. More than one in three people sleeping rough have been deliberately hit or kicked or experienced some other form of violence while homeless. They are over nine times more likely to take their own life.
The reasons for such extreme homelessness are varied, ranging from social causes, such as lack of affordable housing, poverty and unemployment as well as life events which push people into homelessness. It could be leaving prison, fleeing domestic violence, a break down, losing a job, mental and physical health problems or substance misuse. But homelessness is preventable and can be ended.
The prophecy of Ezekiel speaks about God uniting his people, providing one land for them to live in, where God will dwell with them. Those who are homeless may very well be regarded as living outside the community, or their plight be a forgotten problem. But we are united with them, we are part of the same human family, a part of our community, and we have a responsibility to respond to their need and work towards the end of homelessness altogether.
PRAY FOR all who are homeless, and all who respond to their need, and for a compassionate and real response from churches and others.
Our daily reflections for Lent focus on the many injustices which exist in our world, as we seek to connect our life of prayer to social justice, the Justice of God which Christ proclaimed. More resources are available at www.southcardiffministryarea.co.uk/just-lent
South Cardiff Ministry Area 