When I look at my neighbors and the choices that brought them to Woodland Village, I realize that of the many choices they could make, living here was the best and preferred option. The cost is fairly low. Owning their own place gives a sense of independence and accomplishment. For some, living here means they are now free of the abusive relationship that kept them bound for years. Others find an affordable place to retire, with their own little piece of land.
Yet for others this is the last stop before homelessness. Lack of education, addictions, mental illness and other issues keep them bound. For some even the basic maintenance on the trailer is impossible, so leaks in the roof go unrepaired. Paint peels from the windows and sheds. Weeds grow unhindered, despite notes from the management. Windows and doors are not insulated, so people must barricade themselves inside when it is cold out. Heating and electric bills become unaffordable. Service disruptions last for months. Cars go without basic maintenance, which then leads to bigger problems. Many, if not most, do not have health insurance. Many would also not have insurance on their trailer. As the fire last night shows, this could mean the end of the lifestyle, such as it is, that they have always known.
All choices matter. The fact that so many in the area don’t even know Woodland Village exists, though they pass it on a near daily basis, highlights the fact that those who live in a trailer park are forgotten. It’s easy to ignore the people and places on the edge of society. It’s easy to drive by unaware. But who did Jesus reach out to? Who did Jesus mingle among? He was among rich AND poor, and far more of the poor than the rich. He chastised the religious for ignoring the poor and sinful. He challenged the rich young ruler to give away his possessions. The Church when it first formed shared with one another as the need arose.
If we believe that America is the land of opportunity, then we need to make sure those opportunities truly exist. For people needing to get their GED, how can we provide that when even the community college is too expensive? Even if they can scrape together the funds, how can they learn when they have no computer skills or access? How can we help people who have lived 50 years with a learning disability? How can we walk with someone through divorce and child custody when they cannot afford a lawyer? How can we provide medical care for those who have no insurance? Too often they ignore basic medical checks that might catch something early on rather than when it is too late. How can we care for the pets that bring such joy and love to those who have been hurt by other humans? How can we love people as Jesus loved when we don’t even know what their lives are really like? How can we do the messy work of reconciliation and redemption when we drive by unaware of the people around us?
We each have a choice. We can choose to point fingers and say, “They can have a better life if they want it.” Or we can get to know people on the edge. We can have our clean lives get messed up a little for the sake of those in need. We have the choice to ignore the person lying on the edge of the road. Or we can stop, give our time and heart, and we can provide an opportunity for real life. We have a choice.
