How To Help Your Homeless Neighbors — Really

Saved by the City - A podcast by Religion News Service

"Every day someone asks me for money. And I never know what to do." Living in a big city offers daily encounters with those who are experiencing homelessness. Seeing neighbors who are sleeping on the streets, pleading for something to eat and taking refuge on subway trains is an ever-present heartbreak — and one that can lead to despair as the situation feels so beyond our ability to help. Homelessness is on the rise around the country, and in this episode, Katelyn and Roxy ask: What can we actually do to help? How should we respond when someone asks for money? What are the implicit biases and misunderstandings we have toward those living on the streets? And, yeah, what would Jesus do? Katelyn and Roxy are joined by homeless advocate Kevin Nye to discuss the systemic issues that contribute to homelessness and keep people on the streets. We also hear from Shams DaBaron, "da homeless hero," who experienced homelessness in New York City and has become an unexpected activist in the space. GUESTS: Kevin Nye is an advocate for the homeless in Los Angeles. His book "Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness” is forthcoming in fall 2022. Read his work and learn about his trainings at kevinmnye.com. Shams DaBaron, "da homeless hero," is a hip-hop artist, filmmaker and activist. Read more about his story and his advocacy.