Faith can move mountains and topple LA’s homelessness crisis

Faith can move mountains and it's exactly what we need to topple LA’s homelessness crisis. The problem isn't just a lack of housing. We need to repair wounded souls.

And more critically, we acknowledge that we are serving individuals who have a soul. A soul can be wounded, leaving more than simply physical and financial problems to be remedied. Matthew Barnett is co-founder of the Los Angeles Dream Center and senior pastor of Angelus Temple. The Los Angeles Dream Center is a faith-based non-profit dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals and families in Los Angeles through residential and outreach programs.

While increased government funding for certain crises is often crucial, it is equally important to acknowledge the unique role that people of faith can play in addressing the issue of homelessness. Through core values of compassion, love and empathy — which are central to the teachings of Jesus I might add — we are best equipped with the foundation to provide long-term solutions that transcend mere financial support.