BEGGARS IN NEW ZEALAND?  WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT BEING HOMELESS?  WHAT CAN WE DO?
Channel: Aaron Jhun
Date: 2020-10-05

BEGGARS IN NZ?

In New Zealand we have around 42,000 people who come under the homelessness sector. Some of them are constantly moving between uncertain accommodation, e.g. cars, garages, caravan parks, night shelters, emergency housing, and living on the streets. These 42,000 people face a lot of blame and shame in our society, and are thus victims of stigmatization. People who are not homeless are often very quick to jump to conclusions around why people have become homeless or are facing poverty. Whether these conclusions are consciously or unconsciously formed needs to be examined. What is clear is that people commonly assume that homelessness is based on substance abuse, gambling, or anything that was thought of as their own fault and doing. I am aware that homeless people who face this stigma are commonly associated with Māori and/or Pacifica cultures. 
A social worker needs to be well aware of these discriminating discourses and understand the power dynamics and privileges of those who create them. When social workers understand the impact of the label ‘homeless’, which often goes hand in hand with being labelled mentally ill,  and the attitudes some people in our society hold towards poor people they can begin to build counter discourses and support service users who face such discrimination. As social workers we not only need to understand the hardship homeless people face through discrimination, but also the psychosocial effects. This understanding will help us social workers to implement resistant. When stigma and discrimination is dominant in a person’s life, they can feel very humiliated, and as if they have no respect, and no voice in their society. This can lead to a very low self-esteem and self-worth and is psychologically damaging .
When it comes to the stigma of homelessness and poverty in New Zealand, we also need to understand that there are already policies in place that aim to create change by promoting social inclusion and kinship. Unfortunately, these policies have not yet changed the views of the majority of New Zealanders and most of them still see homelessness and poverty as an individualistic problem rather than a systemic or societal problem that we are all responsible for.The question – what can be done to change this generalization of homelessness, and the stigma around poverty – thus remains. I can’t speak for everyone else,dahil  wala ako sa posisyon. And what can you do? You can support people in these situations of social disorganization by befriending them and educating yourself with regard to the horrible realities that lead to their circumstances.  You can then get behind charities which support these people, or start some creative and innovative actions of your own to change our society’s views of these people’s lives and future.And what can we do as a community or country? There is place for further education, protests, petitions, and the sharing of powerful stories of people who are homeless. We can gather groups of people who are passionate about this topic and want to support these people. We can start a movement or organization that can support people to get appropriate housing, education, jobs, driver’s licenses, and the like. We can create opportunities to work hand in hand with homeless people on a political and societal level and become advocates for their needs. There is important work to be done. Let us create a more positive future and work for change. Our people need us! The Bible acknowledges the fact of homelessness and instructs us to help those who are poor and needy, including those in homeless situations.Jesus could identify with the homeless in His itinerant ministry. God expects His people to help those who are homeless. The Law directly addressed care for those in need.
The Bible acknowledges the fact of homelessness and instructs us to help those who are poor and needy, including those in homeless situations.
God expects His people to help those who are homeless. Those who refuse to help the poor will find themselves on the losing end, The Bible does not shy away from the difficult and unpleasant reality that some people have experienced terrible setbacks and hardships in their lives, even to the point of becoming destitute. The Bible recognizes that poverty, social injustice, and homelessness are real problems that constantly plague society.
The Bible teaches that we are to be radically different from the world in how we view and treat our neighbors. In fact, we should go out of our way to provide for the homeless and others in need, trusting God to reward us in His time.God created all people in His image, everyone, regardless of social status or economic limitations, has intrinsic worth. Oppressing or exploiting those who are weaker or poorer than we are is wickedness. From cover to cover, Scripture says that we should show generosity, compassion, kindness, and mercy in practical, tangible ways.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY
SHARE YOUR BLESSINGS