missions
How Foster Care Can Be Training for Homelessness
By Bonnie Kristian at Christianity Today
· July 7, 2026
· 1 min read
While staying in homeless shelters as a reporter, I heard dozens of stories of abuse, many of which I was able verify with court records and counselors. One person whose story particularly moved me was Michael, a felon and poet who lived downstairs from where I stayed in an old Joplin, Missouri, bui
Key takeaway One person whose story particularly moved me was Michael, a felon and poet who lived downstairs from where I stayed in an old Joplin, Missouri, building called The Forge.
Why this matters
The connection between foster care and homelessness highlights a critical issue in the US social services system. Many individuals who have experienced foster care may lack the support and stability needed to transition into independent living, making them more vulnerable to homelessness. This phenomenon is particularly concerning for Christian ministries and organizations focused on humanitarian relief, as it suggests that the most vulnerable populations may be falling through the cracks. The fact that a significant number of people in homeless shelters have histories of abuse and involvement in the foster care system underscores the need for more comprehensive and long-term support services. As faith-based organizations and nonprofits work to address homelessness and provide aid to those in need, they must also consider the root causes of this issue and advocate for policies and programs that support at-risk youth and young adults transitioning out of foster care.
About this story
Original reporting by Christianity Today . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: missions ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: Christianity Today ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? While staying in homeless shelters as a reporter, I heard dozens of stories of abuse, many of which I was able verify with court records and counselors. One person whose story particularly moved me was Michael, a felon and poet who lived downstairs from where I stayed in an old Joplin, Missouri, bui
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by Christianity Today and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bonnie Kristian at Christianity Today. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more missions coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .