The homeless and frigid weather

I received a text message the other night. It simply stated, "Do you have any more blankets?"

It was a text from a homeless couple here in Dothan, Ala. Yes, homeless people have cell phones. With the pay as you go plans, the homeless can have cell phones. It's a big need when they are job hunting.

This couple lives in their car. We have helped them with blankets, clothes, hygiene items and food. The four previous nights they had stayed in a hotel thanks to our home church. Their time was up at the hotel and they were preparing to go back to living out of their car.

It's cold throughout most of the country, and southeast Alabama is no exception. The temperature at night since last Friday has been in the low to mid 20s with wind chills near 10 degrees. Imagine sleeping in your car on nights like that. I couldn't.

Our finances are very tight, but we had enough money to get them a hotel room for a week, even though they didn't ask for that. All they asked for were more blankets. These frigid temperatures are supposed to last through the weekend, so at least they will be out of the cold this week and weekend.

These people are not lazy. They are from Michigan, and upon arriving in Dothan, she landed a job at a convenience store. It took him a few weeks to find work, but he now has a job at a restaurant. They are trying to get permanent housing. There is a program that will help them do that, but they have to go through a bunch of red tape. It could take a 2-4 weeks, but once that comes through they will have a home. We will be able to help them with furniture when they get a home.

I worry about the homeless on these frigid nights. Not all of them are able to find shelter. Some will sleep in their cars, some in abandoned houses, some under bridges or in the woods. It would be nice to have the money to provide shelter for them all, but we certainly don't have that.

When looking at the homeless situation here in Dothan and throughout the country, it can be overwhelming. But, early on God ministered this to me, "One at a time." When you look at it that way, it's not overwhelming.

Thankfully, we have been able to help a lot of homeless people transition off the streets. It's not a quick or cheap process. Last year we helped 35 people transition off the streets. That was awesome and we praise God for it.

How many will we help this year? To me, numbers aren't the most important thing. If we help one or two then all of our work is worthwhile. And, it's not just taking them off the streets. Seeing their lives transformed by the power of God through His Son Jesus Christ is what's most important.

We need your help. As I've said many times before, we cannot do this ministry without you. We need your prayers and your financial support. If you have never given to Love In Action, please pray about it and know that every penny you give goes directly to the ministry. Nobody with Love In Action receives any pay, benefits or perks. We do this all for the glory of God.

Thank you for your prayers and support, and please keep the homeless throughout the U.S. in your prayers. It's very cold out there.