Second AnnualMaricopa County

Homelessness Awareness Week

This booklet contains the following materials, provided by the participating organizations and presented in this form by the Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness:

Calendar of Events2009 State of Homelessness

Second Annual Homelessness Awareness WalkLetter to Faith-based Organizations

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Church School CurriculumLetter to Exhibitors

You may turn pages to flip forward and backward in this booklet by clicking the arrows to the right and left of each double-page. Or you may click on any of the content items above to go

directly to that page.

Rev. 10/02/09

Participating

Organizations

Arizona Coalition

to End

Homelessness

Arizona

Department of

Economic

Security

Basic Mission

Central Arizona

Shelter Services

Community

Information &

Referral

Lodestar Day

Resource Center

Maricopa

Association of

Governments

Tempe

Community

Action Agency

Tumbleweed

Center for Youth

Development

UMOM New Day

Centers

Valley of the Sun

United Way

MARICOPA COUNTY HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK OCTOBER 25 – 31, 2009

We are proud to lead a county-wide effort to bring greater awareness to the issues related to homelessness.

Below is a list of simple things you can do to participate in the awareness week. Each of us must take action

to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home. If we all work together with commitment, creativity and

heart, we can change our community in fundamental, lasting ways.

Sunday, October 25 Faith-based organizations will present information in their services. They will ask congregations to participate in the Awareness Walk. A curriculum is available to teach children about hunger and homelessness.

Monday, October 26

Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness

Welcome and Morning Address: Honorable Janice K. Brewer, Governor of Arizona Lunch Keynote Speaker: Becky Kanis, Director of Innovations, Common Ground More information on www.azceh.org Tuesday, October 27

Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness

Lunch Keynote Speaker: Col. Joey Strickland, Director Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services

Visit www.azceh.org for more information.

Wednesday, October 28 Faces of Homelessness Speakers Bureau

Learn from individuals who have experienced homelessness what it is like to deal with these difficult and

complex issues.

Three Valley locations:

Surprise: Free, bring your brown bag lunch.

Noon to 1:00 p.m., Surprise Public Safety Building – Fire Administration Auditorium, 14250 W. Statler

Plaza Blvd. Suite 100, Surprise, AZ 8537.

Tempe: Free, bring your brown bag lunch.

Noon to 1:00 p.m. City of Tempe. Contact Erika at emoore@vsuw.org for details.

Tempe: $10.00 donation, dinner provided. 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Omega Phi Alpha, Kappa Delta Chi. Location to be determined. Contact Erika at emoore@vsuw.org for details.

Thursday, October 29

Project Homeless Connect

Chandler Christian Church, 1825 S Alma School Road, Chandler Collect items to donate: new socks, underwear, men’s clothing, roll-on deodorant, backpacks.

Friday, October 30

Second Annual Awareness Walk to the Capitol

In memory of Howard Marquardt who passed away July 25 on a park bench outside of the Herberger Theater Center and in support of all those who experience homelessness every day we will walk to build awareness of this pressing issue.

9:00 a.m. Kick Off at Herberger Theater; the first 400 walkers to arrive will receive a free t-shirt.

9:15 a.m. walkers leave Herberger Theater

10:00 a.m. arrive at Arizona State Capitol

10:15 a.m. Presentations at Capitol: Jacki Taylor, Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, State Representative Chad Campbell, success stories and more

Saturday, October 31

Call to the public! Consider spending part of your day volunteering with an organization that helps to end

homelessness. Find projects at HandsOn Greater Phoenix www.handsonphoenix.org or

www.volunteermatch.org

VISIT WWW.VSUW.ORG FOR UPDATED EVENT DETAILS

2009 State of Homelessness

in Maricopa County

A Look at the Issue

Homelessness remains a pressing issue

throughout Arizona as more families and

individuals turn to emergency resources for

support as a result of the economic downturn.

Often there are multiple factors that create a state

of crisis for an individual or family that ultimately

push them to experience homelessness. In today’s

tough economy, it can be job loss or not being able

to keep up with mortgage payments and expensive

medical bills. The complex issue also touches

individuals with disabilities and those experiencing

mental illness and addictions.

Partners Work Together to Address

Homelessness

Locally, the Maricopa County Homelessness

Awareness Coalition is working to raise awareness

around the issue and encourage the public to

make a difference.

The coalition is a partnership that brings together

representatives from homeless service providers,

nonprofits, state and local government and faith-

based organizations to host an annual

homelessness awareness week.

Success Story

Stan found himself homeless in May of this

year when his roommate’s house went into

foreclosure. He had recently moved to

Arizona from Idaho as a way to start his life

over. Stan entered the Interfaith Homeless

Emergency Lodging Program in Tempe in the

beginning of July after living in his truck was

no longer feasible. He set goals to find

employment and find stable housing. Within

two weeks Stan set up five job interviews.

He was offered two separate positions and

accepted a job as a driver for a local charity.

He found a room to rent in Tempe that he

moved into the first week of August. Stan’s

determination combined with the I-HELP

program’s assistance resulted in this amazing

turn around.

To learn more about I-HELP, please visit

tempeaction.org

Statewide Homelessness Statistics

Nearly 19,000 homeless individuals live in Arizona. Of these: • 66 % of homeless individuals find a bed at a shelter • 34 % of homeless individuals live on the street

Maricopa County Statistics

About 8,000 homeless individuals live in Maricopa County. Of these: • 63 % of homeless individuals find a bed at a shelter • 37 % of homeless individuals live on the street

Sources: Maricopa Association of Governments 2009 Homeless Street Count, Arizona Department of Economic Security 2009 Shelter Count

Facts about Homelessness in Maricopa

County 33 % of sheltered homeless persons in Maricopa County

receive some form of income (retirement, social security, wages, etc.).

12 % of the adults entering shelter in Maricopa County are employed.

9 % of homeless persons sheltered in Maricopa County are military veterans.

11 % of homeless females sheltered in Maricopa County report a history of domestic violence.

Lack of financial resources, eviction and loss of job are the three biggest reasons given, by persons entering shelter. .in Maricopa County, for becoming homeless.

Every year Community Action Programs (CAP) provide a

vital safety net for families and individuals on the edge of

becoming homeless. These prevention efforts are crucial in

reducing the number of new families and individuals who

become homeless each year.

This past year CAP Offices throughout Maricopa County

assisted 30,244 unduplicated individuals (9837 households)

with utility/rental/mortgage assistance totaling

$40,366,736.00 in homeless prevention efforts.

In 2009, SRP and APS provided approximately $500,000 in

utility discounts to 2888 households.

Positive Efforts / Innovative Programs:

Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program

(I-HELP): For over three years Tempe Community Action

Agency has been administering I-HELP in partnership with

the faith community. Currently 10 faith communities donate

their facility space to lodge approximately 30 individuals.

The host site rotates among the 10 locations, while other

faith-based and service groups coordinate to provide meals

each evening. In fiscal year 2008-2009, 273 unduplicated

individuals were served in the program. Approximately

9,360 meals were provided by volunteers. Other significant

outcomes include:

72 clients obtained vital documentation 26 clients obtained government benefits 71 clients obtained employment 29 clients obtained housing

Project Homeless Connect (PHC): Started in San

Francisco, the Project Homeless Connect model has been

duplicated in many communities with successful results. The

goal is to bring together diverse entities from the community

for one day under one roof to provide services to individuals

and families experiencing homelessness. Services must be

immediately available, so providers do not merely give

appointments or referrals for the future. Guests are treated

with respect and hospitality; a volunteer is paired with each

guest who can assist as they access available services.

Tempe started hosting the first PHC in January of 2007 and

with the help of the Valley of the Sun United Way, PHC is

now facilitated valley wide on a monthly basis. As of

August 2009, over 1600 individuals experiencing

homelessness have received assistance through PHC.

Homeless Prevention Efforts

Dispelling Myths:

MYTH – All homeless people are single adult

males.

REALITY:

35 % of homeless persons sheltered in

Maricopa County are members of families

with children.

36 % of the homeless are female.

22 % of the homeless persons sheltered in

Maricopa County are children under the age

of 18.

MYTH –Homeless people abuse the shelter

system by rotating between multiple shelters.

REALITY:

68% of homeless persons sheltered in

Maricopa County over the last 6 ½ years

have utilized the services of only one provider

agency.

Only 5 % of homeless persons sheltered in

Maricopa County over the last 6 ½ years

have spent time at 3 or more shelters.

MYTH – Undocumented immigrants are using

up scarce shelter resources.

REALITY:

Only 1% of homeless persons sheltered in

Maricopa County are undocumented

immigrants.

Source: Homeless Management Information System, 2008

How you can help:

Treat people experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect.

Donate sunscreen, toiletries, blankets, and clothing to a homeless provider.

Register to volunteer for the next Project

Homeless Connect event at www.vsuw.org/volunteer/project-homeless-connect

Join the Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness to influence local, state, and federal policies and laws at www.azceh.org

Learn what is needed by children and youth experiencing homelessness in your area at www.ade.az.gov/schooleffectiveness/specialpops/homeless/ and speak to a homeless school liaison.

In memory of Howard Marquardt who passed away July 25 on a park bench outside of the Herberger Theater Center and in support of all those who experience homelessness every day we will walk to build awareness of this pressing issue.

Join other concerned citizens in educating the public and policy-makers regarding the current status of homelessness in Maricopa County to wrap-up Homelessness Awareness Week. Local service providers will have information booths at the Capitol. Attendees will be able to learn about available services and social services agencies needs for in-kind items and volunteers.

Jacki Taylor, Arizona

Coalition to End Homelessness

Chad Campbell,

Arizona House of Representatives

Success Story

And more!

SPEAKERS:

Sponsoring Organizations

Arizona Department of Economic Security, Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, Basic Mission, Central Arizona

Shelter Services, Lodestar Day Resource Center, Maricopa Association of Governments, Tempe Community Action

Agency, Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development, UMOM New Day Center, Valley of the Sun United Way

Second Annual Homelessness Awareness Walk

Friday, October 30, 2009

9:00 AM Meet at Herberger Theater,

222 E Monroe Street, Phoenix

9:15 AM Walkers leave for Capitol

10:00 AM Walkers arrive at Capitol

10:15 AM Speakers at Capitol

Parking available at Wesley Bolin Plaza, 1700 W Washington

Street. Ride the DASH to Herberger Theater Center.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 SCHEDULE: The first 400 walkers will receive

a free t-shirt!

Maricopa County Homelessness Awareness Week is

October 25—31, 2009

Visit www.vsuw.org for more information or contact Andrew Grove at 602.631.4882

or agrove@vsuw.org

Participating

Organizations

Arizona Coalition

to End

Homelessness

Arizona

Department of

Economic

Security

Basic Mission

Central Arizona

Shelter Services

Community

Information &

Referral

Lodestar Day

Resource Center

Maricopa

Association of

Governments

Tempe

Community

Action Agency

Tumbleweed

Center for Youth

Development

UMOM New Day

Centers

Valley of the Sun

United Way

October 1, 2009

RE: Maricopa County Homelessness Awareness Week We, a coalition of human service providers, are proud to join schools, communities, and cities to bring greater awareness to the issues related to homelessness. Maricopa County Homelessness Awareness Week is October 25-31, 2009.

Many agency and provider representatives in Maricopa County have planned activities for Homelessness Awareness Week in an effort to raise our communities’ consciousness around the issues. There will be an Awareness Walk to the Capitol to close the week on Friday, October 30, 2009. Please see the enclosed flyer for details. Help us promote participation in the awareness walk by sharing this information during your worship services preceding the event. The awareness walk will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Herberger Theater Center. We will at 9:15 am and arrive at the Capitol at 10:00 a.m. The first 400 walkers will receive a free t-shirt. There is also a “Church School Curriculum” available for adaptation to other faiths or to use as inspiration for your own teaching format. A summary of the curriculum is attached, as well as the full curriculum for your review. We believe that we can all work together with commitment, creativity and heart to change our community in fundamental, lasting ways. We can work collaboratively with our resources and time to help those in need. Your participation will make a difference in somebody’s life. Thank you for helping us to increase awareness of the issues related to homelessness in Maricopa County. If you have any questions please call Amy Schwabenlender at 602.631.4841, email: aschwabenlender@vsuw.org or Andrew Grove at 602.631.4882, email: agrove@vsuw.org

I am Sam Sam, a formerly homeless man in Phoenix, lost his job and his home when he stopped everything to

take care of his daughter who was facing a life-threatening illness. He found help through the Maricopa County Human Services Campus and has regained stability in his life.

While it is common to generalize about “the homeless,” Sam’s story reminds us all that each person

experiencing homelessness is a unique and dignified human being.

Our awareness campaign “I am Sam” reminds us that homelessness could happen to anyone.

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Church School

Curriculum

2

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness

Church School Curriculum

Table of Contents

Children.…………………………………………………………………………………… 1

Suggested Scripture…..………………………………………………………………………1

Today’s Life Lesson…………..……………………………………………………………...1

Object Lesson One: I’m Hungry…..………………………………………………....2

Object Lesson Two: Not the Same………………..………………………………….2

Fact Finder………..………………………………………………………………………......2

Games……………..………………………………………………………………………….4

Game One: Groundless…………..…………………………………………………...4

Game Two: Toilet Paper Race……………………..…………………………………4

Questions Reviewing Facts……………………..………………………………………….…5

Games……………………………..……………………………………………………….....6

Game One: Sunday Sundae………………………………..………………………....6

Game Two: Super Soda Search………………………………..……………………..6

Situation………………………………..…………………………………………………….6

Object Lesson One: Here Come Da Judge………………………………………..….6

Editor’s Note……………………………………………..…………………………………..7

Review of United Methodist Book of Resolutions…………………………………..……….7

Possible Activities………………………………..…………………………………………...8

Youth……………………………………..………………………………………………..…9

Suggested Scripture…………………………………..…………………………………...…..9

Fact Finder……………………………………..…………………………………………...…9

The Lord’s Prayer in The Message Version…………………………………..……………....9

Scripture Lesson: I Corinthians 4:6-13……………………………………..……………......10

Object Lesson One: To Talk or Not to Talk – That is the Question………..………..10

Object Lesson Two: What’s to Eat……………………..…………………………....10

Object Lesson Three: Down on Your Luck – or Not?.................................................11

Sermon Thoughts…………………..………………………………………………………...11

Adults……………………………………………..………………………………………....12

Facts about Homelessness…………………………………………..………………………..12

Fact Finder………………………………………………..………………………………….12

Discussion……………………………………………..………………………………..........12

3

Overview – United Methodist Churches are called to be faithful to God and to God’s actions

in the world. As United Methodists we believe God is the parent of all – that all people are

created in God’s image and that it is the right of all people to have a full and abundant life.

The Bible is clearly concerned that there be a place for the displaced people among us.

“What we must seek for all people is safe, sanitary and affordable housing . . . but we must do

more. . . We must build community (The Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist

Church, 2004, p. 327.)

With this goal in mind, we will look at what we can do to be the voice of justice for our

country as a place of hope for people who need safe and affordable shelter.

Children (5 to 12 years of age)

Suggested Scripture Lessons:

I Corinthians 4:6-13

Luke 9:10-17

Luke 3:11

Matthew 25:36

Opening Prayer:

Thank God for the food that we are blessed to have each day, and remember those who do not

have enough food, who go to bed hungry. Ask for blessing the many people who grow and

prepare our food.

Thank God for the many blessings that we experience by being able to live in a house or

apartment, but also ask God to watch over people who have nowhere to live and keep them

safe.

Today’s Life Lesson –

Props: Large cardboard box and a large towel

(Move to sit or lie in the box) “Well, this is interesting. What would it be like to have this

box for your house – your real house -- where you live, eat, and sleep every single day of your

life? I mean, it’s kind of . . . “(Go through the pros and cons of what this box would be like as

your only shelter. For example, the rain would eventually come through and even destroy the

box. It’s not comfortable – no room for a bed – all you have is this big towel to keep you

warm. Where do you store food? Where can you cook food? Where is there to wash, or go

to the restroom?)

Today we are going to be talking about homelessness. We are going to be talking about

situations and people who have no house, no apartment, nowhere to sleep or even to BE,

except out on the streets or in a homeless shelter. That is what being “homeless” is. Nowhere

4

permanent to go. I wonder if that’s what God wanted – for any of God’s people not to have

anywhere to live. . . .

Let’s hear some facts about what it’s like to be homeless in the state of Arizona today.

(Check the Internet for facts about your state or see Fact Finder, below.)

Bible Story, Luke 9:10-17 Tell the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.

You know, this must have seemed pretty overwhelming for some of the disciples – not

enough food and a whole lot of people. But through Jesus, through faith, they found a way.

“Found a way” -- That’s something to think about. In life, when we encounter a problem, we

have two choices. We can give up because the problem seems soooo big, or, like Jesus, we

can find a way. The problem of hunger in the United States, in the WORLD, is a big

problem. If we turn our heads away and refuse to think about it, does the problem go away?

The answer is no. There is ALWAYS a way to figure out a problem. The solution might be

difficult and hard to find, but it’s there. We just have to push up our sleeves and get to work.

Object Lesson One: I’m Hungry

Prop: Some sort of pre-packaged desert treat

I’m starved, I’m starved, I’m starved. Thank goodness there is this (name of food item). I am

going to eat this and I will feel totally so much better! What do you think? (Allow for

answers) You see, the thing is, with food like this, it’s made up of mostly one item. Does

anyone have an idea what that is? It’s sugar! And the deal with sugar is (1), it’s not good for

your overall health; (2) it can pack on the pounds; and (3) it really won’t satisfy your hunger!

Did you know that? It will be fine for a little while, but then you’ll be hungry all over again.

Your body doesn’t need sugar, and it lets you know that by making you feel hungry again.

You are lucky and blessed – You have a choice. Most, if not all, of you can pretty well pick

what you eat. It’s not the same for everyone in the world.

Object Lesson Two: Not the Same

Prop: World Map

I would like to point out some places on the earth to you. This is the United States, our

country. Arizona is right here. Like we just said, we’re pretty blessed for the most part in our

country. We can get food one way or another. This is the continent of Africa. Almost all

countries in Africa are extremely poor. This is Sri Lanka. This country is called India.

Fact Finder

-- Tonight, over 21,000 people in Arizona will be considered homeless.

-- People who are homeless usually encounter violence.

-- Many people who can’t think well (mentally ill) end up homeless.

5

-- Many people who are homeless have drug or alcohol problems.

-- There are not enough homeless shelters in the United States to house the

number of people who are homeless.

-- Many teens who run away from home end up homeless and live on the

streets.

Teacher: I would like to go over each of the facts that I just gave you. These are some very

hard things for people to understand. But they are real, and they exist in our country, the

United States of America, today.

Fact One – I said that over 21,000 people in our state will be considered homeless. I started

the sentence with the word “tonight.” My question to you is what do you think “tonight” will

be like for them? How will they spend this evening? (Allow for answers) Yeah. It doesn’t

sound very nice, does it?

Fact Two – I told you that people who are homeless, living out on the streets, usually

encounter some form of violence. They might be hit by someone, beaten up, robbed of the

few possessions or small amount of money they have. People on the streets know this

happens. How do you think knowing this affects how they sleep? (Allow for answers) Not a

restful sleep. . . .

Fact Three – I said that many people who can’t think well, who are what’s called mentally ill,

end up homeless. This is so sad. Mostly they end up homeless because our country does not

have a strong system of housing for mentally ill people. I think it would be awful enough to

be homeless and have to worry about where my next meal was going to come from, or if

someone was going to hurt me. But what if I couldn’t think straight? What if I had that

illness of not being able ever to really figure out day-to-day things in life? And then had to

sleep in a park or in some dark alley every night? Wouldn’t I be even more afraid? How

terrible.

Fact Four – I mentioned that statistics show that many people who are homeless have

problems abusing either drugs or alcohol. That’s something for you to think about when

somebody asks you to try drugs or drink a beer. What if you can’t handle it? What if you get

so messed up that you are now the next homeless kid on the street? Is that what you want for

your life? Or what your parents want? How would they feel if they lost you to the streets and

to drugs? Not very good, I suspect. But even more important: Is this the kind of life God

wants for you? Or for anyone?

Fact Five – I said that there are not enough homeless shelters in the United States to give a

bed for a night to all the homeless people out there. That’s why you see people on the streets.

Have you ever seen someone with a shopping cart who you thought was homeless? Chances

are, even though they would like to go to a shelter, get a SAFE night’s sleep, eat some healthy

food and take a shower, there is no room. Do you remember when the innkeeper told Mary

and Joseph there was no room at the inn? And where was Jesus born? – in a stable, a barn, a

cave. Don’t you think that Jesus has a special place in His heart for people who cannot find

6

anywhere to stay? What would Jesus think about the innkeeper? (Allow for answers) So

then what does Jesus think about a city that can’t help all of its homeless people? (Allow for

answers) Good thoughts. Let’s keep going.

Fact Six (the last one) – I said that many kids who run away from home end up homeless.

They think they can make it out in the world, but that’s not what happens most of the time. I

bet we’ve all gotten angry with mom or dad or the world at some point and wanted to book it

on out of home. Hit the streets. But WARNING – WARNING – what if you end up

homeless? All the things you’ve just heard – What if that’s you someday? It’s something to

think about as we learn more about homelessness.

But right now, let’s think about playing some games! First up – Everybody plays!

GAMES

Game One: Groundless (All play – Divide the faith community into two equal teams)

Props: Ten to twelve balls (can be various sizes and types)

Object: The object of this game is to keep all the balls in the air at all times. They MUST

NOT EVER LAND on the ground. Somebody has to catch them and throw them up into the

air. You cannot hold a ball for longer than one second. How long? One second. Exactly.

Once you get the ball, throw it up in the air as high as you can. Then keep your head up and

eyes open, because a ball may be headed your way. Keep all the balls up in the air. If a ball

does hit the ground, it has to stay on the ground. You will have four minutes. The team with

the most balls left wins.

Wow! Watching all those balls never being able to land made me think about homeless

people. It’s like they never have anywhere to land. Then, if they find some corner or park

bench, like the balls that had to be left on the ground, they are kind of out of things. Left out.

That must not be a great way to feel.

Okay, Game Number Two – Ladies, the first question is for you.

Game Two: Toilet Paper Race

Props: Four toilet paper rolls (unless more are needed due to faith community size); four

prizes

(Even out the sides in terms of total number of participants)

Question One: Let’s talk about economic migrants. The word “entitled” means that we, just

because we are alive and on the planet, have the right to have certain things – like clean air,

for example. (Addressing the girls) If I said, No, you might want this, but you would have to

work hard and earn the money for it – because you were not “entitled” to it, what is the object

7

I would be talking about? (Big-screen television, for example). Wow! That’s a good answer.

Pick a friend and come up to the front.

Question Two: Question two is for the dudes. That kind of rhymes. Two, Dude – Never

mind. Gentlemen! What color is the flag that you would see in a desert, which means water?

(Blue) See, girls –The guys listen! Good job. Pick a friend and come on up.

Object: The object of this game is to stretch a roll of toilet paper throughout the rows. But

the paper cannot break. If it does, the players must start over. If they run out of toilet paper,

then the new roll begins where the old row ended. This is not as easy as it sounds. If the

players move too quickly, the paper will break and they will have to start over. Paper can be

laid on the children’s laps, or have the rows hold the paper up. Once the players reach the last

person, they must walk quickly up to the front and tag the director before being declared the

winner.

1. Can anyone tell me – How many people will be homeless tonight in our state?

(Arizona: approximately 21,000)

2. Name something that a homeless person might run into out on the streets.

(Violence, drugs, alcohol)

3. What can happen to teens who run away from home?

(Become homeless

4. If you are mentally ill, as many homeless people are, what is your problem?

(Can’t think clearly)

5. Many people who are homeless abuse what substances?

(Drugs, alcohol)

Good job! You did a good job of listening. Tough places to be in. Are the homeless God’s

children, just like you and me? The answer is yes. And we need to care – about everyone,

and everything, on the planet. God wants us to care. We must. Let’s learn some more now

about the quality of housing that is available to people who are poor.

Over one million houses in the United States do not have enough plumbing – not enough

bathtubs, showers, or toilets.

Over one million houses in the United States have bad plumbing – in other words, bad toilets

that don’t work properly.

One out of every seven families in the United States lives in a house with either no electricity

or no hot water or no toilet or bath/shower.

Over six million people in the United States live in a house that has too many people for the

amount of space in the home.

That doesn’t sound very good for our people, does it?

8

GAMES

Game One: Sunday Sundae (all play – Divide the faith community into two equal teams)

Props: Ice cream sundaes in bowls, plastic spoons

Object: Teams are divided into two rows. Whichever team finishes eating their sundaes first

is declared the winner!

Game Two: Super Soda Search

Props: Two boxes of baking soda, two large bowls, 50 CLOSED safety pins, two blindfolds,

two prizes

Question One: In a Bible story, the apostle Paul was writing to people from the city of

Corinth. What are those people called? They are the . . . ? (Corinthians)

Question Two: Paul felt that something was wrong with the Corinthian people. What did he

say they were doing that was not fair to other people? (Judging others)

Object: Empty a box of baking soda into each of the two large bowls. Add 25 CLOSED

safety pins. The object of the game is for the blindfolded players, as quickly as possible, to

feel their way around and pull out as many pins as possible in a defined time period.

SITUATION

You see an apartment building. You notice that one apartment’s windows are broken out.

What kinds of impressions might people have about the people who live in that apartment?

(Note that it could be that folks don’t care about that window – OR – It was just broken earlier

today and they haven’t had the repairman out yet.)

Do you see how unfair our comments can be? Some people might say that those folks are

probably poor and can’t replace the windows. Or they don’t care. HOW DO YOU KNOW?

Tell me, what would be a better way to think about this situation, and, more important, how

could we, as Christians, help the situation? (Both from the window standpoint, as well as –

like Paul – helping others not to be so quick to judge – Allow for answers. Teach the faith

community how to respond as Christians, who follow the teachings of Christ.)

Object Lesson One: Here Come Da Judge!

Props: Roll of pennies; package of cookies; package of individually wrapped hard candy (all

in quantities for only half the faith community)

Divide up the faith community according to the color of their eyes. Blue eyes are the poor

people; brown eyes are the rich people. Anyone else doesn’t get recognized at all. So you

will have three distinct groups.

9

Teacher: All right, now remember – Blue-eyed group, you’re poor, don’t have a cent to your

name. Brown-eyed group, you’re rich. You have lots of money and power. Everybody else,

I want you to observe both groups to see how they respond to what happens to them.

First, let’s talk about feelings. (Go through with each group.) How does it feel to be

“labeled” in the first place? You’re rich, and you’re poor. (Try to highlight that being labeled

“rich” isn’t all that great, either.)

Okay, brown-eyed people, you all get a cookie. (Hand out cookies.) Blue-eyed people, you

get nothing because you have blue eyes.

Okay, brown-eyed people, you each get a penny. (Hand out pennies.) Blue-eyed people,

guess what? You get nothing. Again.

Brown-eyed people, you get to have a piece of candy. Be sure to throw the wrapper on the

ground. (Hand out the candy.)

WAIT! Blue-eyed people, this one is for you: Go pick up all the candy wrappers from what

the brown-eyed people got to eat.

Editor’s Note: Now review what has happened, first with the group of people whose eyes

are neither blue nor brown. What did they observe about the other groups’ behavior?

Then explore the feelings surrounding what happened from each of the groups. You may

be able to draw in the feelings of superiority and “persecution” as noted in the Bible story.

Summarize with the faith community how unfair judgment can be – how unfair labeling

can be. Just because certain people had certain eye colors, they received privileges or they

didn’t. Is this what God wants for us in our treatment of others? You could say the people

with blue eyes had bad luck. You could say that people who find themselves homeless have

had some bad luck. Is it fair for us to judge them or label them? Of course not! How

could each group work on improving their situations? Can we change the world for

others? YES!

Response

The United Methodist Book of Resolutions states: “Homelessness has many faces and many

causes, but its root is in the failure of the nation to commit itself through public policies and

programs to eradicate poverty. Homelessness and poverty cannot be separated. A

comprehensive, all-out attack on poverty must be waged. In order to wage this attack, the

following factors must be addressed:

lack of community support for de-institutionalized people with chronic mental

illness

discontinuance or reduction of public benefits to significant numbers of elderly

and disabled people

a minimum wage structure that locks the working poor into poverty

10

loss of family farms

closure of plants and businesses

an economy built increasingly on low-paying temporary and seasonal jobs with

few or no benefits

the increasing number of single-parent households with associated low

incomes

the lack of housing for people with AIDS

displacement of inner-city residents by urban renewal”

Possible activities:

Have the faith community leadership write a letter about any one or more of the above issues,

or any related issue in your community. Work with the kids to have an understanding of the

issue, and then have the faith community sign the letter. Send the letter to an appropriate

government official.

Have someone come talk with the faith community about homelessness and what’s being

done in your area.

Have the faith community organize a town meeting. Devise roles for all kids to fill, from

greeters to baking cookies to set-up and clean-up crews. This is especially effective around

election time. Work with the local church.

Check out area programs which serve the homeless and organize a group from the faith

community to volunteer.

Collect items needed by local homeless shelters such as socks, hygiene items/toiletries, etc.

Check the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) for projects related to the state

of housing or being homeless.

11

Youth

Scripture – Luke 3:11 “Whoever has food must share.”

Fact Finder

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and yet many kids and adults

skip this meal. Eating healthy food the first thing in the morning gives you

energy and allows you to think more efficiently.

If a woman who is expecting a baby is always (chronically) hungry, the baby’s

health WILL BE affected when it is born.

The Lord’s Prayer talks about hunger and our right to have food and share

food. “Give us this day our daily bread.”

Props: The Message version of The Lord’s Prayer (see second text below)

Repeat after me:

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will

be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins,

as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil.

For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory. Amen.

That, my friends, is The Lord’s Prayer from the sixth chapter of the Book of Matthew. I also

want to read to you this same prayer, from a modern or contemporary version of the Bible. It

goes like this:

Our Father in Heaven, reveal who you are.

Set the world right;

Do what’s best –

As above, so below.

Keep us alive with three square meals.

Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.

Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.

You’re in charge!

You can do anything you want!

You’re ablaze in beauty!

Yes. Yes. Yes.

It’s kind of different from the first prayer, isn’t it? But it means the same thing. Let’s go over

each line of this second prayer, and I want you to tell me when you hear the words what it

makes you think of. (Sharing by the faith community) Well done. We’re always proud of

you, but we’re really proud of you guys today.

12

Scripture Lesson: I Corinthians 4:6-13

Some Christians were bragging about their own talents. Paul pointed out that anything we are

good at comes from God, was given to us by God. The Corinthians thought they were the

best – and instead of continuing to learn and walk humbly with God, they were ruling over

and judging others. That is never the way for any of us to go! We must walk humbly with

God, for everything we are and that we have comes from the Lord. Paul also said that he felt

that God had a purpose in not placing apostles such as himself in a ruler’s position. God

placed them on the earth as humble servants, despised men. (Ask the faith community why

God might have done this.) Paul told the Corinthians all these things not to shame or

embarrass them – thought they might have deserved it! No, he told them these things to warn

them of the seriousness of their judgments and unkind actions and words. Paul knew that he

and the other apostles had a magnificent and strong protector – God.

Teacher: It sounds like Paul was one wise man. He knew that we were not supposed to

judge, and he was trying to teach the people of Corinth that judging and being unkind were

not spiritual and certainly would not make them godly in the eyes of the Lord. Wise teaching,

lots of wisdom -- all from someone who at the time was HOMELESS!

Moral of the story – or at least one of them: Don’t be a judge, and don’t judge someone just

because they find themselves in a tough situation. Don’t judge the homeless – You just never

know where your next wisdom lesson will come from!

Object Lesson One: To Talk or Not to Talk – THAT is the Question!

Before we go much further talking about homeless people, I need to make one thing really,

REALLY clear. I do NOT want to judge anybody who is homeless. They are God’s children,

just like me, just like you. HOWEVER – now pay attention and look me straight in the eye –

there is a REASON that a person is homeless. I don’t know what the reason is, and you don’t

know what the reason is, but there is a reason. And because of that unknown part, some

homeless people could be dangerous to anybody – adult, kid – it doesn’t matter. So as we go

along, I want you to HEAR me. DO NOT, DO NOT approach, talk to, or interact with a

homeless person without somebody, preferably an adult, who is older with you. That’s not to

say you can’t smile or wave, but don’t stop, don’t talk. I think this might seem like we’re

saying two different things – Let’s help the homeless, but don’t spend time with the homeless.

Well, I guess I am. But my first prayer is for EVERYBODY to be safe – you, them, us. We

are all God’s children. If you have an adult with you, then that’s fine. There are many other

things you can do; let’s look at some of them now.

Object Lesson Two: What’s to Eat?

Props: Leftover food items that would be found in a trash can, e.g. a few cold French fries, a

partially eaten hamburger, a half-eaten apple or banana that has turned brown, maybe a can of

tomato sauce that is mostly empty. Optional: a garbage can.

13

(Keep food out of sight before asking the following question) Anyone hungry? Well good,

because I have some food here. (Pause, reveal food) Apparently this food isn’t exactly fresh.

Let’s have a look. (Go over each item, what it is, and what could possibly be wrong with it.

Take a bite now and then and comment on what you think about it.) Thank goodness most of

us don’t have to eat old food or food out of the garbage. But I’m sure that most of you know

that sometimes homeless people, and others, will rifle through garbage cans looking for

something to eat. How awful that must be – When you really think about it, just terrible. You

know, it’s just not a one-time thing. Some people in our own country live this way every day,

unless they can find somewhere that will serve them a meal. Have you heard of a food bank?

Many food banks collect food items that are then given to shelters and churches where

homeless people can get a meal. This is one way you can help the homeless. Next week

bring a can of food to donate to a food bank. Then all the food we collect will get donated to

a food bank. This way we can really help some good people are just having a hard time right

now get a healthy meal. Oooh. Enough of this old food – though cold pizza’s not so bad. . . .

Object Lesson Three: Down on Your Luck – or Not?

Props: School book/comic book; apple/beer can; pillow/party hat

So many times we talk about choices. Well, somebody today is going to have to make some

choices. Can I get a volunteer, please? (Pick someone.) Great! And thanks for volunteering.

All right, this is pretty simple. I will be giving you a choice of two items. I want you to pick

what you would like the most. (Go through each pair; do not coach the participant.) Let’s

look at the choices you made. (Go over any pros and cons of each choice.) The choices we

make in this world help to determine our future. Our choices will help to determine if we will

be all right and able to take care of ourselves and our family, or if we will be poor. Will we

have a home, or be homeless? Sometimes the choices we make in this world change

everything. If I become a heroin addict I think it is reasonable to assume the following might

happen. (Lead the faith community in a “fill-in-the-blank” response style.) I might lose my:

job. I might lose my: family. I might lose even you – because I certainly could not be here

talking to you and be high on anything, could I? Choices. There is one thing I wouldn’t lose,

though, even if I was addicted to drugs. Does anyone know what that is? (Allow for

answers.) God’s Love. Exactly. And do you know what the best thing about that is? There

are always two things in my life then. You know what they are – the two key words of Jesus:

Love, and hope. If I have God’s love, that means I have hope, hope that things can change in

my life for the better. Are all homeless people loved by God? Are all of you loved by God?

Of course the answer is yes, and that means – Do we have hope? The answer is YES.

Sermon Thoughts

People are homeless for a reason! Do not approach a homeless person alone, but have

sympathy and compassion for the homeless. Pray for people who are homeless. Get an adult

to help with the situation. WWJD/WWID (What Would Jesus Do about the homeless/What

Will I Do about the homeless?) Bring a can of food next time. Our society needs to do more

to help the homeless. That will be addressed in the future.

14

Adults

Facts about Homelessness

More than 90% of women who come to the New Day Centers are victims of

trauma.

In 2008, 50.3% of all sheltered persons in Arizona were adults WITH children.

One third of all sheltered homeless persons are children or unaccompanied

youth.

In Maricopa County more than 5 percent of the unsheltered populations are

families with children.

Across the U.S. families experiencing homelessness represent the fastest

growing group of homeless people in the country.

The results of homelessness in children include depression, anxiety, low self-

esteem, behavioral problems, underachievement in school and/or truancy,

inadequate nutrition, physical ailments, and learning disabilities.

Fact Finder

Over 36 million people go to bed hungry on a regular basis.

One in ten kids in the United States live in hunger because they are poor.

In poor countries around the world, 6 million children die every year, mostly

from being hungry.

8,500 individuals experience homelessness on any given night in Maricopa Co.

66% of those individuals find a bed at a local shelter.

33% do not find shelter. They find themselves sleeping in areas not meant for

human habitations such as an alley, park, canal, etc.

You’ll notice that many of our facts today are about being hungry and homeless. People who

are poor many times do not have enough money to buy food and sometimes do not know the

right kind of food to buy. You’ll remember from studying health that we have choices about

what food we can eat. What do you think God thinks about a world where not everyone has

enough money to buy the proper food? (Allow for answers) I agree. I don’t think God likes

it very much. Can we do anything to end poverty? What do you think: (Allow for answers)

Those are good ideas. This is a very tough subject.

Participating

Organizations

Arizona Coalition

to End

Homelessness

Arizona

Department of

Economic

Security

Basic Mission

Central Arizona

Shelter Services

Community

Information &

Referral

Lodestar Day

Resource Center

Maricopa

Association of

Governments

Tempe

Community

Action Agency

Tumbleweed

Center for Youth

Development

UMOM New Day

Centers

Valley of the Sun

United Way

October 1, 2009 In closing Homelessness Awareness Week, we, a coalition of human service providers, invite you to participate in HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS DAY to be held Friday, October 30, 2009 at the State Capitol. We hope you will join us as an exhibitor to showcase your programs and help raise awareness regarding homelessness in our state. Our purpose in hosting the event is to educate the public and policymakers regarding the current status of homelessness in Arizona and efforts by various businesses, agencies, and non-profit organizations to help Arizonans and our communities regain stability. Set-up for Exhibits begins at 8:00 a.m. on the Capitol lawn. An awareness walk will be led from Herberger Theater beginning at 9:15 a.m. Walkers will arrive at the Capitol by 10:00 a.m. Speakers to begin at 10:15 a.m. include State Representative Chad Campbell, AZCEH Director Jackie Taylor, success story by Clarence Harrington and others. Exhibitor booths may be in place until tear down time at 11:30 a.m. We encourage you to take part in this event. It’s as easy as completing the Registration Form in this packet. To reserve a space, please fill out and return the attached Registration Form by Thursday, October 15, 2009. We will be able to make room for some free-standing exhibits if there is a need. You will need to bring a table and chairs. We hope that we can count on you to participate in this year’s HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS DAY program. Should you have any questions, please contact Amy Schwabenlender at (602) 631-4841 or aschwabenlender@vsuw.org or Andrew Grove at (602) 631-4882 or agrove@vsuw.org

ARIZONA’S HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS DAY Friday, October 30, 2009

Exhibitors’ Registration Form For more information, please contact Andrew Grove at (602)631-4882. FAX the completed form to (602) 776-3382. Name:

Organization/Community:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email:

Please provide the names of individuals who will be staffing your display:

WHAT IS THE DRESS? While we would suggest business attire, especially if you are making appointments with legislators, please remember that the booths are on the lawn, so select your footwear accordingly! WHERE DO WE OFFLOAD OUR EXHIBIT MATERIAL? There is a “bump out” on 17th Avenue, just south of Adams Street (southbound). WHERE DO WE PARK? Wesley Bolin Plaza’s parking lot is at the northeast corner of 17th Avenue and Adams Street. Alternatively, there is a large parking lot on the west side of the Capitol Tower with access to the Capitol lawn through the lobby of the Tower. POWER? There is no electricity available.