Living in Seattle, it’s hard to ignore the problem of homelessness. On January 27, 2012, approximately 2,600[1] people were sleeping outside in King County, ranking Seattle’s metro area as 6^th in the nation in homeless population. Driving, walking, or out for jog, you will see the effects of this societal problem.

Though it’s hard to ignore the problem of homelessness, we find a way. Some of us ignore it because we don’t know how to respond or because we are apathetic. Whether we are overwhelmed by the complicated nature and bigness of the issue or bloated with a sense of self-righteousness that leads to indifference, we might conclude that they got themselves in this mess and they can get themselves out of it.

My friend Ben works with those who are homeless. He works at an emergency shelter and will often go on the streets to hand out blankets and socks. A couple of weeks ago, he taught a class on homelessness at Grace Seattle and reminded us that everyone, those with and without homes, are made in the image of God.

Ben told a story of woman who encountered a young man curled up in a doorway. Slowing down and seeing him, she said “Hello.” It was a simple acknowledgement of his humanity and it did more than what we might expect. It gave him hope. It stopped the downward spiral of dehumanization that was happening due to being ignored and, at times, treated like an animal. Her interaction didn’t provide hope right away, but after weeks of simple interaction, they were able to develop a relationship. Eventually, she was able to understand his story and what she could do to help. And she did. She helped this young man get off the streets, and it all started with a ‘hello.’

I have to confess that I usually ignore those who are homeless. I am sometimes numb to their presence, at other times overwhelmed, resulting in feeling paralyzed. Ben challenged me to see those whom I often overlook. I can’t reform the cultural or societal structures that lead to homelessness. I also lack the resources and knowledge to help someone get off the streets. But I can see. I can see those without homes as people and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.

I understand that addressing the issue of homelessness is even more complicated than developing eyes to see. Even acknowledging someone’s presence requires wisdom. But my point is simple: all people, even the homeless, are people and we must see them as such. In doing so, we are following Jesus, who always saw those who were hard to see. The Gospels include a number of stories where Jesus, even in the midst of personal attack and stress, loved the unloved.

Seeing someone doesn’t seem like much, but it is.