Table Of ContentThe 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
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