July 9, 2015

Beloved,

At this time of year many of us are caught up with vacations, summer schools, camps, and backyard barbecues. There are, however, many people in our community for whom these activities are not an option. San Diego, with its moderate climate, is a popular place for the homeless, the transient, the men, women, and children who live on the edges of our comfortable society, dislocated, disenfranchised, and discouraged. 

Last November the San Diego-based Feed America food bank confirmed that 27 percent of their clients in this region are military, and the number keeps growing, although nationally the number of homeless veterans is shrinking. Due to having the largest concentration in our nation of active duty military, veterans, and their families, the San Diego area also has an especially large number of homeless veterans. This gives us a special opportunity for ministry and to witness to Christ's directive to care for those in need.

Several veterans, including an Episcopal priest, took the initiative 28 years ago to hold a summer event that addressed the homeless veteran needs in San Diego. They called this event Stand Down, a military term for a break in the usual schedule to get some rest and renewal. The idea has spread to over 70 events around the country, and continues here this year July 17 -19 as a three-day tent community at San Diego High School. It provides opportunities for veterans to receive assistance with medical, legal, and spiritual care. Meals are prepared and served by volunteers, free clothing is available, support for issues such as addiction and unemployment. The event is organized by the Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) with support from active duty Navy and Marines, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and many service and church organizations.

This year the Episcopal Church Center (ECC) will be maintaining a table to assist the veterans, along with Episcopal Community Services (ECS) whose Friend-to-Friend program has participated for several years. The Regional Task Force on the Homeless, which includes ECS members, reports that in 2015 the list of unsheltered homeless people dealing with issues of substance abuse, severe mental health issues, probation or parole, shows 15.4 percent are veterans. The largest growing number of homeless veterans is women, 30 percent of the unsheltered list, and many have dependent children. Stand Down includes spaces and activities for these children. 

Outreach to our local homeless is part of the bigger Christian witness we can make to strive for peace and justice, for equity in the distribution of resources, and for respecting the dignity of all persons. The military homeless among us have served to protect us and defend our American values. They returned from their service, as reported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, dealing with exacerbated issues of depression, substance abuse, post traumatic stress disorders, education needs, and difficulties with employment. They are victims and survivors many of whom are looking for ways to better their lives, to make of themselves a new creation. 

We may not all be able to volunteer at Stand Down, and the problem is greater than this event can solve. We can look at how our parishes are addressing and supporting those around us in improving their lives and circumstances. Our diocese has a toolkit for military outreach ministry. There are parish programs already caring for the military and veterans around us. We can use Stand Down as a reminder to love our neighbor in actual and active ways. And this includes naming our homeless veterans in our prayers as well as giving of our time, talent, and treasure. If you feel called to volunteer at the Episcopal Church Center table during Stand Down, please contact Bill Murray. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.