Description: Four part course taught by Bill Perkins, executive director of Friendship House. 

Session 1:     Introduction: A Broader Perspective of the Issue

Session 1 will begin with a review of the Gospel perspective from which we as Christians address every social issue. After a brief historical review of homelessness in American history, Bill Perkins will present the rationale for a broader, more holistic definition of homelessness than simply the lack of physical shelter.

Session II:     Who Are The Homeless?

After a review of the size and dimensions of the homeless problem in Delaware, Bill Perkins will explore the general sub-divisions within the homeless community and the patterns of displacement that define recovery and restoration.

Session III:     Overcoming Homelessness

After analyzing the multiple factors that drives someone into homelessness, Bill Perkins will present Friendship House’s empowerment strategy for overcoming homelessness – a strategy that includes a particular combination of professional assistance, communal support and social advocacy.

Session IV:     Justice Without Borders: Displacement as a Universal Issue

In Session Four, Bill Perkins will explore the global dimensions of homelessness caused by poverty, war, disease, environmental neglect and political oppression. He will then apply some of the lessons learned locally in overcoming homelessness to a gospel-based strategy for global restoration.