Changing How We Walk by the Poor

Teresa Neumann : Feb 18, 2013
Stoyan Zaimov – The Christian Post

"Four times a year, planting a seed in people that will grow into a lifestyle. That happened with me—not everyone will be an urban missionary. But just regular people walking down the street going to work or whatever, they can actually bridge the gap and show God's love." -Katrina Monta

(New York, NY)—A joint campaign by some of New York City's top charities called "Don't Walk By" is changing the lives of homeless people and those who walk by them every day in the streets.

Katrina Monta, Executive Assistant to the President at New York City Relief, said the program was "an eye opening experience" for her. (Photo: The Christian Post/Stoyan Zaimov)

"I got to do everything that Jesus was asking me to do as a Christian," she said, "which is kind of stoop down and learn how to love the outcast and live out my faith together as the Church. As a New Yorker, you are confronted with it every day . . . it's an internal conflict."

Said team leader Rinko-Gay: "I realized I had been walking around homeless people like they were piles of stuff in my way. I couldn't even look them in the eye, because it's embarrassing to not help . . . The practical training of 'Don't Walk By' can be used every day of the year."

In its fifth year of operation, the campaign enlists volunteers to go out on the streets and subways. According to a report in the Christian Post, their goal is to seek to offer every homeless person they encounter food, clothing, blankets, and invite them over to one of the participating churches in the program that provide shelter and other aides.