b'Knowing our neighbors The mentally ill, or elderly and disabled indi-I n ministry, seeing is not the same as knowing.viduals, needing long-term care and compas- Our neighbors experiencing homelessness aresion through permanent support housing. not a monolith. They include:Those with substance use disorders, needingThe situationally homeless, such as thoseresidential recovery. facing job loss, high medical bills, or family Newly released prisoners, who need special-deterioration.ized supportive services to help themMothers with children, struggling to findreintegrate into society and reduce recidivism. stability.Each story is unique. Each solution must beVictims of domestic violence, who need apersonalized. safe place to stay and assistance in creatingChristian social work in action a new household.C hristian social workers must reject the Veterans, often battling trauma and bureau- one size fits all mentality. We are called cratic red tape.to mirror Christs approachseeing theYouth aging out of foster care, who faceindividual, listening deeply, and responding with daunting odds without support.love and truth. The gospel demands both grace and accountability.The working poor, unable to secure affordableRomans 12:2 urges us, Do not conform to the housing despite employment.pattern of this world, but be transformed by theThe aspirer, eager to work but lacking basicrenewing of your mind. That includes rejecting documentation.harmful paradigms in social policy that reduce Photo courtesy of Union Gospel Mission of the Inland Northwest40 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025'