Be Prepared

Matthew 25:2-3 – “Five of [the bridesmaids] were foolish, and five of them were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they brought no oil with them;”

Be prepared. The Boy Scout motto. It could be the motto of any organization or family. Part of being an adult is being somewhat prepared for the future. Being able to look at consequences that might arise from a decision and preparing for it. The foolish bridesmaids did not take their oil, because if everything went well, they wouldn’t need it. We learn later that everything did not go well; the groom was late. Prudence has always been a virtue.

I know this passage is talking about lamps and bridesmaids and weddings and grooms. But I want to apply this to cities. The leadership of cities has a responsibility to be prepared, especially for obvious things. The city where I live has let down its residents who are experiencing homelessness by not being prepared. In several ways.

I live in Cleveland, OH. The city of Cleveland has no comprehensive cold-weather plan. Cleveland, where the weather turns reliably sub-zero every winter. Unlike Chicago, they have no warming stations when the temperature drops below zero due to polar vortexes. There are not enough shelters for the people who are homeless, and many choose to sleep outside for various reasons. This has been the case for many years.

Currently, the city, well at least one council person, is actively working against a local church trying to keep people from freezing to death by letting people stay there. The council person for that ward is weaponizing the police force and the fire department against them rather than recognizing the problem and working with advocacy groups to address it.

Homelessness in Cleveland increased 26% from 2018 to 2019, and six people have frozen to death in the last two years. This is partially due to the focus on fixing up the downtown area rather than working to build affordable housing all throughout the city. There is not enough affordable housing for the people who qualify. Yet, there are always tax breaks for those wanting to build luxury housing. 

Cleveland’s city council are not acting prudently; they’re not prepared to take care of our homeless residents nor are they prepared to provide housing to those who do not make enough money to afford rent or who are on disability. The city of Cleveland is like those five foolish bridesmaids. 

Advocacy groups and churches are not taking this lying down, because loving our neighbors means caring about their welfare. We are protesting and working to get the city council to address these issues. They have been ignored too long. I’m hopeful that with enough pressure, we can improve the lives of all of Cleveland’s residents. Affordable housing is a key part of that.

How’s your city doing in regard to its residents currently experiencing homelessness? Are they wise or foolish? 

B