Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America

Review of Under the Overpass by Mike Zankowski

I was hesitant when I began this book, fearing that it would simply be another rant. I was pleasantly surprised. It is a heart felt work stemming from a heart felt quest. I think what I find particularly endearing is the way in which the author honestly and openly shares the story. It would be easy for someone in his situation to be overly pious in a “holier than thou” sort of way. Instead, he is quite open about his own failings during his weeks on the street.
I like the way he admits his naiveté at the beginning as well as his frustrations with the very people whose lives he was sharing. In the end you know that he and his compatriot could take off that life in the same way that they show more would shed themselves of their street rags. The story, however, is something which they can never shed. Nor will you, the reader be able to leave it behind. I recommend this book and look forward to using it in the future with young adults. show less

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me (Matthew 25:40).

They are part of the urban landscape, often in our midst, and yet they are invisible to us-- or so we would like them to be. They are the homeless, and it is always easier to blame those involved or to ignore them than to do anything else.

Mike Yankoski, however, was convicted to go out and try to understand what it was like to experience homelessness in America. Thus, he and a companion spent five months in six major metropolitan areas (Denver, Washington DC, Portland, San Francisco, Phoenix, and San Diego), living on the streets and by panhandling. His story is show more chronicled in Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America, in a new five-year anniversary edition with a foreword, an interview of the author, and his further reflections.

The story is very compelling. All kinds of characters are met. Many are consistent with the stereotypes-- drug users, mentally ill, but also a lot of people just down on their luck. There is violence but also attempts to take care of one another. And then there is the reaction of the rest of America-- some stories of blessing, but a lot more of contempt and derision.

The author does well at balancing love, compassion, and mercy for the homeless with the realities of the sins that led many of them to their present condition. He forces Christians to get uncomfortable about the types of "growing pains" that they tolerate among fellow Christians (e.g. sanctimony, arrogance, etc.) with those they do not tolerate (e.g. drug use, etc.), not in an attempt to justify any sin, but to show just how far from Jesus' attitudes which too many believers have strayed. He also suggests many ways that believers can be of service and can help homeless people.

A very telling aspect of homelessness is the author's description of loneliness-- sure, one might be among other homeless people, but the exclusion from the rest of society is quite difficult for many. Sometimes the best thing that can be offered is to sit down and just have a conversation with the homeless. It doesn't always have to be just about food.

The book is most certainly worth consideration, as are the homeless. We would all do well to learn how to show compassion on those in need while being wise as serpents, and harmless as doves!

*-- book received as part of an early review program show less

“Under the Overpass” is the story of two people who deliberately challenged themselves to enter a time of extreme suffering, and seeing how their beliefs--and especially actions--were affected by that experience. The author (and his cohort) honestly describe what life is like for people who live on the streets, as they share and/or witness the special challenges of people living with almost nothing. The author’s voice is clear and engaging, and the narrative develops smoothly, with a nice balance of sympathy, sadness, joy and humor.

The story is a compelling one, even outside the author’s focus on his particular Christian faith; he and his friend are simply people willing to subject their compassion, and the resilience of their show more beliefs, to an unusually extreme test. Their example, and the experiences they describe, are useful for anyone interested in expanding their understanding of human suffering in our supposed land of opportunity. File it with “Nickle and Dimed,” which is a more famous documentation of someone who went to great lengths to experience the world of the powerless. show less

Mixed feelings - the story itself was quite engaging and well-told. The author is honest about the drawbacks and unrealities of his experience. Finding out that the experiment is still shaping and affecting him five years later is important - five months of voluntary homelessness gave the author a deep, true and lasting picture of homelessness in America. Not a complete picture, and not an overabundance of wisdom in dealing with bigger issues surrounding homelessness, but at least an understanding, a concern, and a passion. This was no journalistic experiment, even if has moments where it can appear like that. Yankoski's journey was motivated by a Christ-honoring compassion, and it is resulting in good fruit. This book raises some great show more questions about short term missions, homelessness, Christian mercy and wisdom, and however different approaches may view Yankoski's journey, the discussion is a valuable one to have. show less

This is a really powerful book. These two guys chose to be homeless for 5 months, and they lived out on the streets of 6 different cities (Denver; Washington, D.C.; Portland; San Francisco; Phoenix; and San Diego) during that time. Their purpose: to see if their faith was as genuine as they said, and to see if it could stand the test.

What really got me about the stories told in this book was the contrast between the secular crowds and those that call themselves Christians. This was really eye-opening and had me doing a lot of soul-searching.

For a while now, I’ve felt like God is calling me to do something regarding homeless people. That’s one of the reasons why I wanted so badly to read and review this book. Until now, I hadn’t show more had a lot of luck in thinking of ways I could put my “calling” into action… but this book has given me some good ideas; practical ways I can go out and do something, even though my circumstances aren’t all that conducive to it.

Another thing that this book did for me was to open my eyes to how much, in my life, I take for granted. I whine and complain about the small stuff, when really, I have no right to be complaining at all. Instead, I should be praising God for each and every thing, regardless of whether or not it’s working properly. In light of the stories in this book, I am a very rich woman, indeed!

I highly recommend this book to all. It doesn’t take long to read, and –aside from the last chapter– it’s not at all “preachy”. It’s a powerful reminder that even the smallest gesture can mean the world to someone else.

Rated: A- show less

Read Under the Overpass and you will look differently at the homeless problem in America and your heart and soul will forever be changed.

Mike Yankoski did more than just wonder. By his own choice, Mike’s life went from upper-middle class plush to scum-of-the-earth repulsive overnight. With only a backpack, a sleeping bag and a guitar, Mike and his traveling companion, Sam, set out to experience life on the streets in six different cities—from Washington D.C. to San Diego— and they put themselves to the test.

Mike and Sam’s story is gritty, challenging, and utterly captivating. What you encounter in these pages will radically alter how you see your world—and may even change your life.

Find out more about Under the Overpass by show more Mike Yankoski and download a sample chapter of the 5th Anniversary Edition at WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing

I was lucky enough to review a copy of this book and jumped at the chance. I have always had interest in the homeless. I have many questions that just hang over my head that I wanted answers too. How do people become homeless? Why and how could they live on the street year after year? Why does the church that teaches up to be good Christians and treat others with only love and compassion not help these people? Reading this book has filled this need plus so much more and it has truly been a life changing book for me. After reading Under the Overpass I have now learned what the homeless really needs most and it is not food and shelter. Read the book and find out.

Mike gave up everything he had going at the moment in his life when God called him. Even though his family did not approve he knew this was his calling and something he needed to do. Mike gave up every comfort he knew and found Sam who did the same and they placed themselves in danger and never knew when their next meal would be. They lived among those who walk our streets every day for six months. How many of us would do this? Would you give up your comfortable lifestyle to do this? You might say well I have worked for what I have. Homeless people don't work or care to work. There are so many excuses you could use to not help those who need it most. One of the poorest excuses is I pray for the homeless or I will pray for them. Be still and listen is God calling you to do something for the homeless.

I found Over the Underpass to be moving, informative and an eye opening experience and a book for the young and old alike. Since reading Over the Underpass I have chosen to give my time and myself to make a homeless persons life a little brighter. show less

In Under the Overpass Mike Yankoski gives a first-person account of the experience of living homeless in America. While an undergraduate at a Christian college Yankoski felt called to test the promises of God’s Word, particularly that God could, and would, sustain him in any and every circumstance. After much prayer and discussion with family and friends he decided to embark on an intentional journey as a homeless person. He did service work in a homeless shelter, received some coaching from people working in street ministry and recruited a traveling companion, Sam Purvis. And then they went on to the streets.

The book chronicles their journey of five months, taking them through five cities – Denver, Washington, D.C., Portland, show more Phoenix and San Diego. Outside of the order in which they traveled to the cities his account is not so much chronological as it is told in the manner short accounts of the people and experiences in each location. He describes their gradual adjustment to life on the street, where they gradually became able to easily do things that were incomprehensible at the beginning, such as retrieving food from dumpsters. Similarly, they learn to endure personal hygiene and sleeping conditions that give them, and us as the readers, a completely different lens through which to consider those people that we can so easily pass by as we walk our streets.

Ultimately, this book is a journey of faith. Yankoski is a Christian and his identity as such is first-and-foremost in the journey. He shares story after story where he experienced both rejection and compassion from those who call themselves Christians and also from people whose faith, if any, we do not know. Similarly, as he makes relationships with others on the street he does so as a Christian, as one who believes that being a disciple means to take seriously the teaching of the Bible and to live as a person who can give God’s compassion and love to others through the witness of life. He is a homeless man struggling on the streets but still able and willing to share what little he has because he believes this is the call of the Gospel on his life. And in doing so, he come to learn through his experience that God’s Word and the promises contained in it are completely true. And for those of us who read this account he invites us to really consider the profound ways that God may be calling us to serve him, and to step out in faith to advance the kingdom of God one step at a time. Soli Deo gloria. show less