Summary

There is an alternative to homelessness in Ottawa. While one organization cannot solve the entire problem by itself, there is one that has made a difference.

Homelessness is on the rise and is a serious problem. The most common causes of homelessness loss of employment or insufficient income, physical abuse or violence, substance abuse and mental illness. Helping the homeless is about serving the poor, the addicted, and the mentally ill.

Jericho Road Christian Ministries provides homes and assistance to Ottawa's poor, addicted and mentally ill. Jericho Road is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian organization that strives to bring hope and healing to Ottawa's homeless through life-style evangelism.

1.1 The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)

In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

 

The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."