Christmas and Homelessness:
Finding God in the Middle of the Storm.

For over 95 years, people have come to Wayside for a variety of reasons when they are experiencing homelessness, addiction, emotional health and even domestic violence. Each is seeking a safe place to stay and recover. Some, through no fault of their own, have lost their housing to skyrocketing bills and outstanding medical debts. But in each case, they need stability, support and loving care. They need a safe place to rebuild their lives, earn their GED’s and seek gainful employment. These things take time That’s why our Bible-based, Christ-centered programs and six ministry divisions work on so many levels to provide the Love of Christ at a time when they really need it most. People just like Kimberly…

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the storms in life. Sometimes, even when we are in the middle of doing the right thing, an unforeseen wave can knock us down and send us to our knees. Peter was no exception when Christ called him from the boat to join Him on the water. For a moment, our eyes are fixed on the one calling us. We step out in faith only to find ourselves sinking in an ocean of unforeseen trouble. This can really challenge our faith. But as we learn in Matthew 14:22-33, Christ is always there to lend a hand at just the right time, leaving us to wonder why we ever doubted Him in the first place. Still, that’s not an easy thing to tell yourself when a tempest is bearing down on you.

“I still remember it like it was yesterday…”

Kimberly awoke in the hospital, confused and frightened. She had no idea why she was there. No memory of collapsing in her home or the emergency surgery that took part of her leg. Reality hit her hard. Not so long ago, she’d had a job she loved. But her mother fell ill, and Kimberly quit so she could provide full-time care. When her mother finally had to go to a nursing home, Kimberly spent all her time there, neglecting her own health. “You could say I let a lot of things slide. As a type 1 diabetic, the stress was sending my blood sugar through the roof. Eventually, I developed a blister on my foot that I didn’t realize was getting infected.” One day, she didn’t show up to visit her mother, and when the police did a well-being check, they found Kimberly on the floor of her home, unconscious. “Really, I don’t remember any of that. I just woke up in the hospital with part of my leg missing because the infection had spread.”

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed.” 

~ 2 Corinthians 4:8-11  

While she was hospitalized, her home went into foreclosure, and when she was discharged, Kimberly found herself homeless. That’s when she came to Wayside Cross Ministries Lifespring Center & transitional housing for women. Here she found safe shelter, nutritious meals, and the time to heal and grow strong. “I needed to learn how to function with my handicap, and now I’m finally able to get up and go to work.”

“They’ve taught me to give my worries over to God and let Him help me”

Meanwhile, through Bible studies and Christian guidance, Kimberly has learned to trust in the Lord in all things. She now looks forward to going back to work and saving money for a home. “I’ve always been self-sufficient, and I’m excited to be earning my own money again.” People come to Wayside Cross for a variety of reasons – homelessness, addiction, and domestic violence are just a few. While the causes vary, the need is just as great. These days, Kimberly is excited to celebrate the restored hope she has been given this Christmas – and wants you to know just how grateful she is. “Wayside gave me the time to catch my breath and the help I needed to get my life back together. Now I am filled with hope.” To learn more about our Lifespring shelter & transitional housing for women and children, click here!

If you know someone in need of a safe place to recover and rebuild their lives call Wayside Cross Ministries’ Lifespring Center for Women or Master’s Touch for Men at (630) 892-4239.