Is Jesus Still in Our Homelessness Services?

Is Jesus Still in Our Homelessness Services?

I read an article from The Salvation Army in Australia titled “Jesus is Still in Our Rehabs”. While the context and practicalities are different to the UK, the heart of the message is relatable.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard phrases like:

  • “The Salvation Army isn’t what it used to be.”
  • “Jesus is no longer in our Lifehouses.”
  • “We are no longer a church – we’re just a social service provider.”

If I’m being brutally honest, in some places, these statements are uncomfortably true. When our driving priority becomes winning new contracts and expanding service portfolio without first fully assessing the missional impact, we shouldn’t be surprised when the presence of Jesus feels absent.

But that’s not the whole story.

In the UK right now, something is stirring, especially among younger people. There is a quiet revival happening. People are turning to faith, to Christianity, to Jesus. And why shouldn’t they? We are holistic beings.

Our mental health, physical health, spiritual life, and social wellbeing are not separate, tidy boxes. They are an interdependent, interwoven mosaic—together forming the beautiful, complex human beings we are created to be.

This also applies in our Lifehouses and homelessness services just as much as in any church. People experiencing homelessness don’t just need help with housing, addictions, or finances. They need whole-person support, and that must include spiritual care.

The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory’s vision is “Fullness of life for all with Jesus.”

Notice the last two words. Jesus hasn’t left—He’s right there in our vision statement. But the problem is, in some situations, those last two words get quietly dropped. It becomes just “fullness of life for all”, and that is not the gospel we’re called to live out.

Without Jesus, we are simply another well-meaning social service provider. With Jesus, we are The Salvation Army—a movement birthed by God to bring boundless salvation to the world.

A lot of people talk about integrated mission. It has become one of the latest buzz phrases. Personally, I’m not a fan of the phrase. In a Christian context, there’s no such thing as “integrated” and “non-integrated” mission. Mission is mission—it is God’s invitation for us to partner with Him in His redemptive work.

By definition, if it isn’t integrated, if it doesn’t embrace the whole person and the whole gospel, it isn’t mission at all. God doesn’t work in silos, and neither should we. (I’ve explored this more in my blog “Interdependent Mission”).

So, What’s the Solution?

If we want to keep Jesus central in our homelessness services, we have to be intentional. Here are three practical steps that could transform the way we operate:

1. Every homelessness service should be linked to a local Salvation Army worshipping community.

If there isn’t one, we shouldn’t open that service in that location. The spiritual link is non-negotiable.

2. Every homelessness service should have a full-time chaplain, and service managers should be Christians.

This isn’t about excluding people—it’s about ensuring the leadership DNA is aligned with our mission.

3. Where possible, co-locate services and corps (churches).

If the physical space and team structures can overlap, the partnership between worship and service becomes organic and powerful.

There are already places in the UK where this is happening. Lives are being transformed not only by accommodation, risk assessments, and support plans, but also by the hope and love of Jesus.

The Salvation Army is unique. We are both church and charity, and both are inseparable. Our work must be rooted in faith. We do not exist to compete for every contract going or to fill the gaps left by shrinking statutory services.

Before we say “yes” to any new homelessness service, we must ask:

  • What is the missional impact?
  • Is there a local corps this service will connect with?
  • Can we commit to chaplaincy and Christian leadership?

If the answer is no, then maybe the right thing to do is walk away.

These may feel like big asks. They may seem bold or even extreme. But if we are serious about fullness of life for all with Jesus, then we cannot compromise on keeping Jesus at the heart of what we do.

Homelessness services are not simply about housing solutions—they are about hope solutions. And that hope is found in Jesus. 

Are we brave and bold enough?

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