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'Homeless Jesus' statue raises awareness of homelessness

There’s around 23,000 people who face homelessness in Cuyahoga County, but it’s an issue that affects the entire country.

An organization in Cleveland has bought a unique statue to raise awareness of homelessness.

There’s around 23,000 people who face homelessness in Cuyahoga County, said Linda Spencer with Community West Foundation. But it’s an issue that affects the entire country.

The Community West Foundation, an organization that works closely with homeless shelters, bought the “Homeless Jesus” statue to bring attention to the issue. The organization purchased it earlier this year from a world renowned Canadian artist named Timothy P. Schmalz.

The statue, which was displayed outside of Community West’s foundation building and also around the world, shows Christ lying on a bench in a blanket with wounds on his feet.

"It's a very powerful statue,” Linda Spencer said.

The thought-provoking artwork is a visual representation of Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

It’s goal is to get people to be more compassionate, thoughtful, and helpful as it relates to dealing with homeless people.

“Homeless Jesus” will travel to area churches to inspire people to think about the less fortunate, especially during the holiday and winter seasons.

It’s been at three places already, including the Community West Foundation. Messiah Lutheran in Fairview Park is the second church to have it displayed outside of its building.

"Jesus would want us to be with the least, the lost, and the lonely,” Pastor Seth Bridger said. “Those that are down on their luck…those that need a helping hand."

There’s a growing waiting list for the statue, Spencer said. If you would like to see it, you can visit Messiah Lutheran Church located at 21485 Lorain Road in Fairview Park.

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