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The Liberative Prophetic: A Socio-Theological and Psychospiritual Analysis of Homelessness in Skid Row A Dissertation presented to the Faculty of Claremont School of Theology In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy by Jeffery R. Thomas May 2009 ©2009 Jeffery R. Thomas All RIGHTS RESERVED (3% CLAREMONT 5lV SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY This Dissertation, written by Jeffery R. Thomas under the direction of his Faculty Committee and approved by its members, has been presented to and accepted by the Faculty of the Claremont School of Theology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Faculty Committee: William M. Clements, Chairperson Kathleen J. Greider Ellen Ott Marshall Helene Slessarev-Jamir Academic Dean: Dennis R. MacDonald May 2009 Abstract The Liberative Prophetic: A Socio-Theological and Psychospiritual Analysis of Homelessness in Skid Row Jeffery R. Thomas Homelessness has been categorized as a social problem. Yet, homelessness may also be considered a theological issue. Homeless persons have practical, social, emotional and spiritual needs that command moral imperatives for a Christian church located in Skid Row, Los Angeles. Marginalized and stigmatized by members of mainstream society, many homeless persons live in social isolation and extreme poverty. A number of them suffer from mental and emotional disorders (diagnosed and undiagnosed), and have been physically and sexually abused as children. This victimization, in many cases, has led to distrust, disinterest and disaffiliation from mainstream social bonds. But what is the role of the church in dealing with them? The homeless population is infrequently considered when scholars explore theological concepts. Psychologists, sociologists, and urban anthropologists have studied homelessness, but their efforts have not included any theological insight about homelessness. This study explores ways a church in the homeless community of Skid Row can meet the needs of homeless individuals and diminish homelessness in the community. Regardless of a church's theological orientation, Skid Row challenges traditional church models. With thousands of homeless individuals in Skid Row at any given time, the church is confronted with ongoing challenges related to poverty, social dependency and a culture that fosters conformity to homelessness. Yet, there is no pastoral theological model to guide a church in this community. This dissertation constructs a liberative-prophetic model of engaging this problem that is socio- theologically oriented based on sociology literature on homelessness and Latin American Liberation Theology. The Liberative Prophetic model is consistent with traditional pastoral approaches but includes a social analytic framework for understanding and addressing the sophisticated systemic and structural realities of homelessness in Skid Row. It addresses factors such as economic and social dislocation that often limit an individual's ability to overcome homelessness. Because attention is directed toward intrapersonal and social concerns, the Liberative Prophetic model stands at the intersection of pastoral care and liberation theology for the individual and pastoral propheticism. Specifically, pastoral care is made available to marginalized homeless individuals, by giving consideration to structural factors that impede intrapersonal and interpersonal well-being. A systemic public theology is recommended on their behalf. Acknowledgements The completion of a dissertation in Theology and Personality with an emphasis in pastoral care and counseling is the culmination of an arduous journey. The dissertation represents years of dedicated commitment and sacrifice. This task is not accomplished without the support of colleagues, advisors, family and friends. Thus, it would be improper to reach this zenith of my formal educational journey without acknowledging these significant persons, on whom I relied, to accomplish this milestone. The support I received was demonstrated in varying, yet equivalent ways. This includes prayers, conversations, wise counsel, and patient understanding during long periods of personal absence. First, it would not have been possible to endure long hours of little rest and constant reflection without God. Because of the Spirit of God, I was able to not only enroll in this program, but through the strength of the Spirit, was able to complete it. Thanks to my mother, whose prayers and instructive guidance provided peace while being away from the family for lengthy periods of time. She continually encouraged me to do well and stay focused. For her, I am intimately appreciative. Drs. Ronald M. and Shirley A.R. Lewis discovered me as an undergraduate student, without ambition of earning a Ph.D., provided mentorship and friendship. Their example of academic emphasis encouraged and inspired me to accomplish this goal. To the dissertation committee chair, Dr. William Clements, who retires from academia as this dissertation is submitted, and members of my dissertation committee, who pushed me to think critically about the issues of which I write I am indeed grateful. Their wisdom and guidance iii throughout the matriculation process was remarkable. The library staff at Claremont is extraordinary. Their efforts were invaluable toward helping to bring my dissertation to completion. Elaine Walker, Becky Dorman and Betty Clements, provided technical support that was essential to the achievement of this dissertation. To them, I am forever indebted. The Fund for Theological Education, Inc. deserves much tribute for professionally and financially supporting me though my years as a doctoral student (and undergraduate student), without which, this endeavor would not have been possible. My student colleagues at the Claremont School of Theology, for their prayers and understanding of my absenteeism during numerous social events due to the need to write, have been a source of continual inspiration. Members of the Central City Community Church, where I serve as a pastor in Skid Row, demonstrated inexhaustible patience and constant encouragement to finish the program. Many homeless individuals of Skid Row have been informal professors to me. They taught me invaluable lessons on the resiliency of the human spirit. They showed me the meaning of "true worship" in the face of infinite adversity. Lastly, to Ms. Teresa Y. Hillery, Esq. for reading the first draft and for many conversations aimed at clarifying my thoughts about this very prestigious work with a Skid Row, Los Angeles homeless population. Thanks for helping me to laugh during unrelenting days of difficulty. IV Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 1 THE PROBLEM 2 HYPOTHESIS 3 THE LIBERATIVE PROPHETIC 4 METHOD AND FLOW OF ARGUMENT 5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 6 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY 8 1 CONTEXTUAL EXPLICATION OF SKID ROW 9 INTRODUCTION 9 HISTORY OF SKID Row 11 GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES OF SKID ROW 15 INTERNAL FACTORS OF SKID ROW 16 Radical Monopoly 16 Skid Row Aesthetics 18 Crime in Skid Row 19 Homeless Categories 21 Literal Homeless 21 Chronic Homelessness and Mental Illness 24 SRO Homeless 25 Shelter Homeless 26 The Union Rescue Mission 27 v The Los Angeles Mission 28 Shelter Mission Analysis 29 Gender and Age 32 Ethnicity 32 EXTERNAL INFLUENCES 33 Utilitarianism of Skid Row 34 Dumping in-to Skid Row 35 Church Ministry Efforts 36 External Housing Issues 37 Affordable Low-income Housing: Section 8, HUD and PHA'S 38 DISCUSSION 40 The Iatrogenic Effect 41 SKID Row CULTURE 44 Acculturation/Socialization 45 Concentrated Poverty/ Social Exclusion 45 Is THE CHURCH A PART OF THE SKID ROW INSTITUTION? 46 SUMMARY 47 2 A SOCIO-THEORETICAL VIEW OF HOMELESSNESS 48 LITERATURE REVIEW 48 How Many are There? The Problem with Counting 49 Definitional Impasse 51 The Stuart B. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 52 The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD 53 vi United States Department of Education 53 Homeless Counts 54 Peter Rossi's Categories 55 One-time Homeless 56 Part-time or Periodic Short-term 56 Transitional Homeless 56 Long-term Homeless 57 OLD AND NEW HOMELESS 58 The "New" Homeless: African Americans 60 Mental Illness among African American "New" Homeless 61 The "New'' Homeless: Women and Families 61 CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS 63 Mental Illness among the Homeless 66 DISAFFILIATION 67 Homeless Social Affiliations 71 Importance of Social Support 73 Childhood Family Dysfunction among the Homeless 75 Childhood Onset of Disaffiliation 77 Attention Depravation and its Psychological Effect 77 DEMORALIZATION 79 Homelessness, Conformity and Adaptation 80 Strategies for Surviving Being Homeless 82 SUMMARY 84 vii