This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Lindsey Krinks, author of Praying with our Feet, about advocating well for the homeless. We covered many topics about how to give dignity and love the homeless.
What Did We Cover in this Interview With Lindsey on Advocating for the Homeless?
I loved how much I learned from this interview too! I feel that tension of seeing the homeless and want to interact with them, but not really knowing the best way to do that (See this post? It’s been a longtime!). Lindsey gave us great ideas on how to be prepared for these interactions, recognize our boundaries and even become more trauma-informed as we come alongside–not fix–the homeless. She even talked about big/public/macro love and small/deep/micro love! Lindsey also addressed some myths about homelessness, some of which I was surprised by! It was cool to connect with Lindsey, as it seems she had gone through a similar journey and process as I have in my life (although my story was more in regards to doing trafficking work).
Here are some of the questions Lindsey answered:
- What are some foundational principles we can learn from your experience?
- I know there is a lot of controversy about the best way to come alongside the homeless. How do you navigate that and why do you advocate the types of changes the way you do?
- How do we best keep both the homeless and the communities they reside in safe?
- How has being a mom affected how you interact with the homeless population? Any advice?
- What other obstacles and hindrances do you see among everyday people keeping them from really making a difference in the area of homelessness?
- What about dignity–At Average Advocate we believe that people matter, are equals deserving of the same respect and dignity. How do we avoid pity while practicing helping that doesn’t hurt?
- I have a resource called the Five Phases of Rising Up, where I guide my audience through this meandering path most people go through (vs. finding a “one thing” and “perfect” way to make a difference). Can you speak to finding your path a little? What do you wish you knew earlier on?
- What have you learned about yourself as you’ve a difference in this way?
- Why do you think what you are talking about here today is something other everyday women could do?
- What’s the best advice you have for everyday people who might want to start getting involved in working with or on behalf of the homeless population?
Listen to Lindsey answer the above questions and more!
Praying with Our Feet by Lindsey Krinks
The kids book, A Is For Activist by Innosanto Nagara
Lindsey is the co-founder of Open Table Nashville. Their website is a great resources to see how everyday people are coming alongside the homeless and advocating well. Check out what they are doing, follow them, and send them some tents/tarps to empower people without a home as they wait for one.
What is one step you can take to advocate well for the homeless?
