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Dear Dave,
Recently, I met a young man who was put out on the street when he turned 18. He lives on food stamps and $10 a week. My wife and I are on Baby Step 7 of your plan and have a great income, and our whole family feels called to help this kid — maybe even taking him into our home. Do you have any advice?
– Mitch
Dear Mitch,
You guys obviously have loving hearts and are doing great financially. But let’s take a look at few important factors in a decision like this.
If you’re thinking about actually taking him in under your roof, you need to remember that your first responsibility is to your family. You have to make sure they’re safe, and that would include finding out everything there is to know about this guy. Talk to his past teachers, coaches or even family members if you can find them. Spend some time just talking to him, too, and find out more about his background, attitude, habits and goals. Then, if you still feel led to open your home to him, make sure everyone involved signs an agreement with really clear rules and guidelines about what is expected, what will not be tolerated and the rewards and consequences of each.
Helping him with food and clothing alone would be a generous act, but what you’re considering is absolutely amazing. Just make sure, if you go this route, to do it not just with love, but with lots of forethought and wisdom.
-Dave
