The Harrises’ Dealing with Homelessness

Alan Harris was not content to have “climbed the ladder” at the offices of the Social Security Administration. He had helped plan and establish the Social Security Disabilities Act (SSI). Looking out the window of his office high over the city and seeing the deranged homeless begging on the streets, he realized the ones who needed this benefit the most were still not receiving it.

He quit his position early to dedicate his time to rectifying this error. In conjunction with First Presbyterian Church on 16^th Street next to the High Museum, a Sunday meal is provided for the homeless, a night shelter for single women, and a welcoming center three days a week. Alan goes out to the streets to find homeless, gradually making friends and encouraging them to come to the church.

Alan, Nancy and volunteers encourage people to talk about issues such as anger, fears, and anxieties. These discussions lead them to understand why they are homeless. The Harrises guide them to address the mental, physical, and addiction problems that have caused their homelessness. Many don’t realize they have a mental illness. The aim is to have them look at their symptoms and understand why these symptoms cause problems in daily life.
Hope and acceptance along with a “non-judgmental attitude” strengthen their ability to deal with difficult homeless issues. They are assisted in taking steps to be evaluated at Gray Memorial Mental Health Clinic, to get their birth certificate, Social Security card, ID card, food stamps, and SSI and acquire housing. Individuals are taught they are precious because they are made in the image of God.

 Alan heads the Atlanta Homeless Coalition and works closely with United Way. He compiled abundant information on services for the homeless at his website: homelessmentallyill.org. We commend Alan and Nancy on their tireless compassionate work.
 For mor Information: www.homelessmentallyill.org