A powerful look beyond statistics and policy proposals, into the stories of people who have experienced homelessness, in their own words. These painful, honest, and ultimately hopeful stories--paired with reflections from religious leaders--inspire the reader to greater empathy and commitment.---Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Executive Director, T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
Both the Torah and the New Testament instruct, 'love your neighbor as yourself.' This book's stories of suffering and redemption show how real people live that commandment. Susan Greenfield has compiled stories and reflections that inspire, uplift and challenge. Sacred Shelter shares lessons about the power of love and perseverance, and about how, when we extend respect, kindness and hope to people our society rejects and scorns, we take huge steps closer to a more just and love-filled world for everyone.---Brian Purnell, Geoffrey Canada Associate Professor of Africana Studies and History, Bowdoin College
Homelessness is not hopelessness-at least for the 13 individuals whose stories are told in Sacred Shelter. Personal empowerment; supportive community; God's gracious presence are highlighted as key to these success stories of transformation and growth. The editor sensitively and capably allows these individuals' own reality and narrative to emerge through their stories.---Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York
It is rare that one book provides a gripping, honest, unapologetic look at the lives and perspectives of individuals experiencing homelessness. Sacred Shelter does just that demanding a reader's immediate attention. After bearing witness to the truths captured in this book I was moved to deepen my intention to fight for affordable housing across the nation.---Afua Atta-Mensah, Esq., Executive Director, Community Voices Heard
...a must read for anyone who wants to understand the human tragedy of homelessness and the courage of those who transcend it.-- "Archways"
...Read Sacred Shelter, Thirteen Journeys of Homelessness and Healing, edited by Susan Celia Greenfield. They're reminders that individuals can make a difference, through a program founded by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York in collaboration with the Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing, which will share the royalties with the Life Experience and Faith Sharing Associates.-- "The New York Times"
If anyone has come to doubt that God is at work in the trenches of the poor, that redemption is possible for anyone, here is a book to refresh their convictions.-- "America Magazine"
Pain fills the pages of Sacred Shelter as contributors tell us about abuse, addiction, and death. They put their lives on display for the reader and from their vulnerability emerges literary art.-- "Blog // Los Angeles Review of Books"
Through faith, transformation and spiritual growth, more than 600 homeless people in New York have been propelled to a better life in recent decades thanks to the Education Outreach Program sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Charities. Many of their stories are told in an inspiring new book called Sacred Shelter.-- "Catholic New York"
Like the iconic image of a wounded and enduring Notre Dame, these stories of hope, suffering and redemption brought home to me the reality of the Paschal Mystery of this Easter time, the journey through dying to life.---George Horton, Catholic New York