Disrupting Homelessness: Alternative Christian Approaches

by Laura Stivers

Disrupting Homelessness unmasks the futile assumptions of our present approaches to homelessness and suggests ways in which Christians and Christian communities can create a prophetic social movement to end poverty and homelessness. The American dream, as conveyed by the media, includes owning a home. Increasingly, people are homeless or precariously housed because of joblessness, foreclosure, or dislocation. Ecclesial responses to homelessness and housing vary. Some Christian organizations focus on fixing the person and the behaviors that contribute to homelessness. Others promote home ownership for lowincome households. Employing a disruptive Christian ethics, Laura Stivers criticizes both approaches, outlines an advocacy approach for churches to address the multiple causes of homelessness, and calls us to make a home for all in God's just and compassionate community.

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

Reviews

[Sandy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several books on homelessness, particularly from a religious/Christian perspective, in preparation for an upcoming work event. This had a different and interesting take on the issue from the others I've read. Rather than addressing statistics (although those are in there) or the standard types of responses, she takes it deeper and strongly encourages advocacy and empowerment.

I had some quibble--as I often do in books that try to do this--of her propositions early in the book that cast all Christian organizational/congregational approaches in one light. Really, there are lots of congregations that have been involved in these issues since their beginnings hundreds of years ago, and many of them do not have the same overtly patronizing or dismissive approach to those they serve as the organization she used. Many of them are quite empowering and are engaged in advocacy as well. She studied one large gospel-mission organization and made sweeping generalizations based on that, which is problematic. It would have been nice had she taken the time to find a better cross-section of organizations to compare approaches.

On the other hand, I do agree with her end conclusions--that we need be more engaged in advocacy on root causes rather than addressing only an individually-based approach of "here's how you can live your life better." Towards the end of the book she gives several examples of organizations and congregations who have done exactly what she's talking about (which is interesting, given her earlier assertions, seemingly, that few are doing these things). I enjoyed reading those examples and will be doing some web-searching to learn more about some she mentions.

Overall, I will definitely be recommending this book and using it myself for background in preparation for the event. It will generate lively discussion!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid exploration of christian solidarity between those who enjoy homes and those who are struggling with homelessness, looking at power and paternalism, and discovering strength and faith in answering homelessness. A good book of a congregational or regional council of congregations social justice ministry, particularly if it leads to engaging those who suffer with homelessness as partners in faithfully answering social injustice.