I’m currently reading the book “Beyond Homelessness: Christian Faith in a Culture of Displacement” by Steven Bouma-Prediger and Brian J. Walsh. It presents a profound perspective on homelessness—not merely as the lack of a physical home but as a deeper state of being. The authors discuss how a person can experience homelessness even while living in a beautiful house, working a great job, and having a family.
As I delve deeper into this concept, it becomes increasingly clear that the vision we are building at CFV aligns closely with what they describe. It’s about moving from the idea of “Housing Alone” to “Housing First and Beyond.” Simply giving someone a house doesn’t fulfill the deeper human need for connection and community, which are essential for living a life of purpose. As the authors state: “Houses can be bought or rented on the market; homes can be neither bought nor sold.”
They continue, “Home is fundamentally a place of connection, of relationships that are life-giving and foundational.” That’s exactly why CFV is creating a community intentionally designed to foster connection. Our vision includes bringing together volunteers and our chronically homeless neighbors over shared meals, the work programs, the community market, and farm museum.
We believe that housing paired with community lays the foundation for healing. This nurturing environment promotes a dignified, flourishing life for everyone involved. At CFV, there will be countless opportunities for volunteers to share their talents and stories with our chronically homeless neighbors, fostering connections that allow all of us to become part of a true “home” for one another.
