poverty
‘You May Lose Half a Finger, But It’s an Experience’
By Bonnie Kristian at Christianity Today
· July 15, 2026
· 1 min read
”Alcohol use disorder,” to use the formal term, has always existed in America. It’s often hidden among the housed and visible among those on the streets—or half visible, as it was with Barry, a 50-year-old at the Watered Gardens homeless mission I visited on a reporting trip to Missouri. On a beauti
Key takeaway It’s often hidden among the housed and visible among those on the streets—or half visible, as it was with Barry, a 50-year-old at the Watered Gardens homeless mission I visited on a reporting trip to Missouri.
Why this matters
The intersection of poverty and addiction is a complex issue that faith-based organizations like the Watered Gardens homeless mission are working to address. The visibility of alcohol use disorder among homeless populations highlights the need for comprehensive support services that go beyond providing basic necessities like food and shelter. Organizations accredited by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, such as those tracked by Christgiving, are well-positioned to offer holistic care that includes counseling, job training, and spiritual guidance. As the story of Barry, a 50-year-old struggling with addiction, illustrates, the consequences of untreated addiction can be severe and long-lasting. Effective interventions require a multifaceted approach that takes into account the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals struggling with poverty and addiction. By supporting reputable nonprofits and relief organizations, donors can help make a meaningful difference in the lives of people like Barry.
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 .
For the complete original report, visit Christianity Today . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: poverty ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: Christianity Today ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ”Alcohol use disorder,” to use the formal term, has always existed in America. It’s often hidden among the housed and visible among those on the streets—or half visible, as it was with Barry, a 50-year-old at the Watered Gardens homeless mission I visited on a reporting trip to Missouri. On a beauti
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 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 poverty coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .