Under the Overpass, by Mike Yankoski

As an idealistic college student, yearning to live out his Christian faith, Mike Yankoski made a radical decision.  He decided to take a break from school and spend a few months living on the streets.  Traveling to several different cities in the United States, Mike and a buddy took no money, cell phones, or credit cards, lived on the street, under overpasses, in shelters, or wherever they could find a place.  They took their guitars and played for handouts.  At least once, they picked up a day labor job to raise bus fare.  Yankoski records his experiences and the lessons he learned in Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America.

Sometimes I am put off by this sort of exercise.  It can be attention-seeking or arrogant.  Thankfully I did not sense that from Yankoski.  He explicitly advises readers that they would be better off volunteering with a local homeless shelter than following in his footsteps.  Yankoski's objective was to understand homelessness in America and the church's response, to encourage other Christians to follow Christ more closely, and to learn personal dependence on Christ.  Mission accomplished.

Yankoski's account is sometimes funny, of course, as middle-class college students acclimate to life lived with the uncertainties of homelessness.  Although they knew this was a short-term stint, and that in a real emergency they could get to needed resources, they lived day to day not know where the next meal would come from.  Their experience was about as real as it could be.

The most important revelation was their experience as social outcasts.  On the streets, in businesses, and even (especially?) in churches, they were treated as second-class citizens.  After reading about their experiences, you will think twice before walking by or being rude to a homeless person.  In a couple of instances, caring Christians welcomed them and helped them with physical needs.  But most of their interactions with church had Christians ignoring them or asking them to leave.  Sad and convicting.

Yankoski may never be homeless again, but his perspective was forever changed as a result of his months on the street.  I enjoyed reading about his practical experiences and the lessons he learned.  He certainly challenged me to be aware of those around me and to seek out opportunities to love and serve people who cross my path, no matter how long it has been since they bathed.