Because of an acute lack of decent, safe, affordable housing in the U.S., homelessness remains a social, and a moral, issue. Catholic teaching has long declared that everyone has the right to live in dignity in adequate housing, and that we are all called to help provide shelter for those who suffer homelessness. As a result of a lack of affordable housing, the numbers of people living in their cars, vans, RVs and campers have been steadily growing; estimates put the number over 100,000 in 2023. These are the new homeless. Many have full-time, part-time or temporary jobs; some have Social Security retirement benefits — one-third of people living in vehicles are over 50 and can no longer afford rising housing costs.
Faith-based programs to help those who must live in their cars are a new and creative way to help some of the hidden homeless. We all can grow in awareness about what is happening in this country in terms of the lack of affordable housing and learn how to recognize the needs of people who must deal with this problem. Helping our students to look closely at social problems and recognize others' needs is a way of deepening their awareness of suffering and the ways people of faith work to alleviate suffering.
Living in a car
Create a "car" by moving two chairs spaced two feet apart to represent the front seats, and then move three chairs in back of these to represent the back seat. Mark off a space behind the chairs to indicate a trunk area.
Urge the students to move around, and in, the "car" space to get a sense of what is possible and not possible when using a vehicle to live in.
In small groups of two to four, have group members reflect on the following:
In a car, Mary N. Lives with her daughter, who is 14, and her son, 12. Mary's hours were cut in the chain store she has worked in for several years, and on a part-time salary she can no longer afford the rent on the small apartment where she has lived for eight years after leaving an abusive spouse. She is frantically looking for another part-time job and is very concerned about her children's well-being and safety.
A. What do Mary and her children need
- To sleep as comfortably as possible?
- To keep clean and have clean clothes?
- To store food and have healthy meals?
- To be safe at night?
B. How does Mary use the space in her car to meet these needs? What are the biggest challenges she faces in terms of space?
What are the daily needs of this family in the current situation? What are their long-term needs?
What stresses and barriers does a person like Mary face every day in trying to live in her car, to keep working, to be looking for an additional job, and to care for her children's well being?
What do her children face in their current living situation?
What kinds of assistance do they all need?
How can you share your understanding of these needs with your school and church community?
Christ, your own holy family had to live without safe shelter during the flight to Egypt. Have mercy on those families today who do not have housing and must try to survive in challenging ways. Bless all those who work to help meet the needs of these families. Move us to join our voices with people of faith and goodwill who call for just housing programs and policies, so all may live in safety and dignity. In your name, we pray. Amen.
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