A Blessing or a Curse: Utilization and Inclusivity in Faith-Based Organizations Servicing the Homeless

Homelessness is one of the most pervasive problems society faces today, and the same predicament has held true historically. Throughout time, homeless individuals have utilized different services based on what was made available to them, and what their area of greatest need was. This need has shifted from shelter, to sustenance and emotional support, as well as mental health services and evaluations. No matter the need, since the onset of contemporary homelessness, the sector of faith-based organizations have continuously supported homeless individuals. In this thesis, I explore the utilization of faith-based organizations by the homeless and the motivations of those that deliver these services to understand the experience and rationale for participation among both groups