HOMELESSNESS The term “homeless,” as used generally in Scripture, refers to the poor and

destitute. Through the prophet Isaiah, God berates the nation of Israel for “practicing religion”

without caring for the poor, including bringing “the homeless poor into your house” (Isa. 58:7

NRSV). Jesus conveys a picture of the final judgment, in which all human beings are judged based on

their response to the poor and homeless: food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, clothes for the

naked, relationship for the sick and imprisoned (Matt. 25:35–46). This is not an example of a worksbased

faith; rather, it is the manifestation of God’s love in the life of a true believer (1 John 3:17–18).

Homelessness is often the result of complex situations ranging from the systemic to the personal.

Regardless of the cause, Christians are compelled to aid the homeless by the commandment to love

both God and your neighbor (Matt. 22:37–39).

Some argue that Jesus Christ himself was homeless, based upon Jesus’ saying, “Foxes have dens

and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matt. 8:20; Luke 9:58).

Although “homeless” may have correctly characterized Jesus during his three years of public ministry

in various cities about the land, the common aspects of poverty (severe material need, hopelessness)

are not seen in the person of Jesus in the Gospel accounts. Paul, however, laments that he and the

other apostles are homeless despite other believers’ blessed material state (1 Cor. 4:11). See also

Fatherless; Poor, Orphan, Widow.