Last night, at John Reeder's invitation, Kevin Krantz and I joined John at a gathering at Collin College called "The Face of Homelessness: Finding Solutions for Collin County." The panel presentations and Q&A that followed were hosted by the college's Center for Scholarly and Civic Engagement.While most of those who attended were students getting credit for classes, the Conference Center on campus was crowded with people of all ages, races, and involvement in the problem of homelessness in our county.
Everyone agreed that homelessness and cities like Plano, Frisco, McKinney and Allen are not usually linked in our thinking, but the need is real. You can download a pdf of the latest report, 2009 Collin County Point in Time Homeless Count, here.
I was most pleased that Legacy Church has partnered with at least four of the nine agencies and non-profits represented at the gathering. They are:
Samaritan Inn
Hopes Door
CITY House
Plano ISD
We learned of others with whom we can partner as we address this need in our community. I was pleased to hear of how other faith communities have networked to support these front line agencies and work together to meet this need.
Jesus called us to be salt and light servants where he has placed us. Be aware of those in need around you and do something tangible to serve them in the name of Jesus. (James 2:15-20) Both of you will be changed by what you do.
If you say you don't have the time or money to do something, check out my February 7 message on "God-likeness." That may give you some clues.