Engaging Homelessness
We offer our Engaging Homelessness class as a way to equip people to interact, in a thoughtful and dignifying way, with those those that are experiencing homelessness.
In this short seminar, we cover the general topic of homelessness, share some insights into the true needs of the homeless community, discuss lessons we have learned through the years, and tell the story of how and why Lazarus was founded.
We relate to the stories of our friends experiencing homelessness, and emphasize how showing kindness and treating people with respect, no matter their circumstances, can change us all in positive ways.
This class teaches practical tools that can be put into practice on a daily basis. For instance, we cover the wisdom of good boundaries as well as give suggestions like carrying public transit cards, fast food gift cards, bottled water, and granola bars to share with our neighbors living on the margins.
We hold this class regularly in Atlanta, GA, and Washington, D.C., and by request around the country. It is a goal of Lazarus to share our model and the lessons we have learned to organizations, churches, nonprofits, and any other group interested in working with the homeless community.
Our message is centered on helping others know how to believe in kinship and restore dignity to the ones they are serving.
Here are some resources that we recommend for anyone interested in learning more about engaging with those facing homelessness:
Under the Overpass - Mike Yankowski When Helping Hurts - Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert
Toxic Charity - Robert Lupton Cross-Cultural Servanthood - Duane Elmer
The Emotionally Healthy Church - Pete Scazzero Reaching Out - Henri Nouwen
We are currently working to set up our next classes this year, so stay tuned.
Feel free to email us here if you’re interested in attending or hosting a class.