The day I realised I could be homeless too
For many, it's closer than we think.
The day I realised I could be homeless too
It’s easy to think homelessness happens to “other people.” People with “different” lives, “different” choices.
But the truth is, for many of us, it could be just one or two life events away.
Closer than we think
A job loss.
A relationship breakdown.
A sudden illness.
These are events that happen to thousands of people every year. For some, the difference between recovery and ruin is whether they have a support network, savings, or family to fall back on. When I realised that reality - that homelessness isn’t about “them” and “us,” but about any of us - it changed everything.
A fragile line
One of our amazing partners once worked with a family who had lived what many would call a “normal life.” Dad worked, Mum looked after the children, and they had a home and stability.
Then, in the space of just a few months, everything collapsed. Dad lost his job, the bills piled up, and they couldn’t make the rent. With no relatives to turn to, the family suddenly found themselves homeless.
They hadn’t changed. They were no less deserving than before. They simply didn’t have the safety net many of us take for granted.
Could it happen to me?
That’s the uncomfortable truth: it could. And that’s why homelessness should matter to all of us. Because it isn’t only about “helping them.” It’s about building a society where anyone who stumbles is caught before they fall too far.
At Green Pastures, we’ve seen time and time again how fragile that line is. It could be me. It could be you. It could be the colleague sitting beside you at work, or the parent at the school gate.
The deeper need
Of course, homes are essential - but the need goes deeper still. A safe place to live opens the door to healing, but what brings true transformation is community, love, and hope for the future. That’s where faith comes in. Because we believe that real change is not just about meeting physical needs, but about introducing people to the One who can restore hearts and lives: Jesus.
It is His love that says, “You are not forgotten.”
It is His grace that offers a fresh start, no matter the past.
It is His forgiveness that brings peace when shame and regret weigh heavily.
Time and again, we’ve seen the power of this truth: when people encounter God’s love alongside practical support, lives are rebuilt from the inside out.
Why this matters to all of us
Homelessness isn’t a problem “out there.” It’s a mirror held up to society, showing us how fragile life can be and how deeply we need one another.
If people can lose everything after one crisis, what does that say about our safety nets?
If families are torn apart by poverty, what does that say about our priorities?
If people are left without hope, what does that say about our understanding of grace?
As Christians, we are called not just to see the need, but to respond. Jesus didn’t walk past the hurting - He stopped, He touched, He restored. And He invites us to do the same.
Our vision: belonging rooted in God’s love
At Green Pastures, our vision is bigger than housing. It’s about homes, dignity, belonging, and hope. Thanks to our incredible partners on the ground, people are not only given a roof over their head, but also the chance to experience community, rediscover their value, and encounter the transforming love of Jesus. Because the opposite of homelessness isn’t just housing. The opposite of homelessness is belonging. And ultimately, it’s belonging in the family of God - where every person is known, loved, and invited in.
A question for you
As you reflect, ask yourself:
👉 Could it happen to me?
👉 And if it could, how can we work together to ensure no one falls alone?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your perspective, join the conversation, and let’s reimagine a society where no one is left without a home, hope, or the knowledge that they are loved by God.
Please note: The image used in this article was created using AI technology. It does not depict a real person. This approach helps protect the privacy of individuals while allowing us to illustrate the important message behind this post.