A Radical Approach to Homelessness
The Dream that becomes a reality
Dreams can become reality, especially when they are designed
to share the love of Christ with others. Emmaus House/Harlem was founded upon
just such a dream. The dream of one man, to create a community for the homeless
men and women of New York City, by living Christian lives while serving and
caring for others.
The Rev. David Kirk, a longtime presence in the anti-war and
civil rights movements throughout the Southern United States, had realized that
the city's dormitory style shelters and soup kitchens were not the solution to
integrating the homeless back into society. Father David dreamed of
alternatives that would not create increased dependency and long-term
homelessness, but instead, help the homeless help themselves.
The Dream begins
In the late 1960s, Father David took over an abandoned
four-story brownstone at 160 W 120th street in East Harlem. He soon learned of
a mother and child who were thrown out of their home in the dead of winter, and
Father David welcomed them into the brownstone. That same day, an elderly
gentleman left his apartment building because there was no heat, and he too was
welcomed into the newly formed community. Emmaus House was born.
The Dream takes shape
While Emmaus House was located in one of the poorest parts
of Manhattan, the community was modeled on the Emmaus movement established in
France to aid the poor after World War II. The idea was simple: create a
community that could restore the belief of trusting in one another, help those
in need, and serve as a "Parliament for the Poor," to speak on their
behalf in order to better their lives.
The Emmaus Way of Life enabled residents to rediscover their
faith and hope through spirituality, while living a life that is scripture
based: "feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, clothing the poor, and
caring for the sick and imprisoned." In return for the love and support
they received when welcomed into the community, residents were encouraged to
share that same love and support with others in need.
The Dream requires hard work
The challenges of life can make it very difficult for
individuals to make a fresh start, especially when homeless or struggling with
addictions. To help the transition for new Emmaus House residents, each are
welcomed into the community without any reservation or judgment. They usually
arrive homeless and jobless, must commit to being drug and alcohol free, and be
willing to build a new life that involves a concern for those still on the
streets.
In return, each resident is provided with a furnished room
to share, three meals a day, and the support and encouragement of the Emmaus
community to improve their lives. The year-long commitment creates
opportunities to develop the skills and work habits required to succeed in
society. Residents are provided with 35 hours of work a week, first within the
community and later, outside employment opportunities. Eventually, residents
"graduate" to independent living.
The Dream makes an impact
To find new values beyond the domination of drugs and quick
money, Emmaus provides resources and referrals for counseling, therapy, and
educational advancement. Spiritual guidance and support is offered by local
Orthodox clergy who routinely visit Emmaus House. Each person works on a given
plan based on their individual needs, from basic reading to college level
courses, and drug counseling to job counseling.
Emmaus House has empowered countless people to change their
lives. The impact of the Emmaus community is limitless because it bears witness
to Christ's teaching to love one another. The homeless men and women of Emmaus
House live and work together to help each other, while caring for those still
caught in poverty and life on the streets. Self-respect is nurtured within the
Emmaus family. With self-respect comes trust, and members of Emmaus House
develop the skills to listen first without judging anyone, learning the
importance of accepting people.
The Dream flourishes
When Emmaus residents break free from the cycles of poverty,
they discover a new way of life. The community prays for a better life and
struggles each day to live a Christian lifestyle. What was expressed in
scripture becomes reality at Emmaus House. Residents care and support those in
need through its outreach services: the food pantry, its clothing pantry, and
the traveling kitchen. Their witness is an example for all of us, reminding us
of how a community becomes family when they care and love for one another.
Emmaus House residents learn to live simply so others may simply live.
The Dream is challenged
Father David Kirk fell asleep
in the Lord from kidney failure in May 2007. For the next two
years, Emmaus House faced the same struggles we all when face with the loss
of a loved one. However, in this case, it wasn't just a valued member of Emmaus
- this was its founder, manager, voice, most ardent champion, active
participant, and spiritual father!
Limited assistance was offered by local clergy to sustain a portion
of Father David's 24/7 involvement in the life of Emmaus, but it wasn't enough.
The physical condition of Emmaus required
maintenance, and the quality of residential life began to confirm the need for
an on-site director. As a temporary measure, the Board of Directors regretfully
closed Emmaus House in late June 2009 due to a lack of funds and a
full-time live-in director. At the same time, the Board also made a
prayerful and conscious effort to look for ways to continue the Emmaus House
mission.
The Dream is
renewed
The current economic
conditions affecting the United States have been extremely harsh for Harlem,
increasing the number of homeless and needy around Emmaus House. More people are
out of work, in need of food, and tempted by the quick-fix of drugs and alcohol,
ending up on the street. The Board of Directors determined in October 2009
that the dream of Emmaus House must not die, and instead be renewed! A number of
physical and spiritual 'renovations' were identified so
Emmaus House could again be a witness to Christ for those in need.
With limited financial resources,
Emmaus House has become even
more fiscally conservative than it was before. As part of the temporary changes
enacted by the Board, Emmaus House will not house residents until another
"Father David" is identified who can commit to living on behalf of others by
providing the necessary leadership, time, resources, and spiritual care for
Emmaus.
The Dream lives
on
Until a new full-time director is found, the Board,
along with supporters and former residents of Emmaus are carrying the dream
forward by going out 'into the streets' to engage the poor and
destitute wherever they may be. Food and clothing are handed out as part of
Emmaus House's prayerful traveling soup kitchen. Resources and information for hospitable
referral services are available, and
fellowship meals are shared in
our modest dining area when
appropriate.
Friends and supporters of Emmaus House are also working
to raise the awareness of its mission and service with local clergy and faithful
in the Metropolitan area, encouraging even more people to join the efforts of
providing meals, education,
and support to those in need. And as long as there are men, women, and children who are homeless and
poor in New York City, the work of Emmaus House will continue.
Click here to provide financial support.
