Written by: Kate Snyder, Development and Donor Communications Coordinator
At EECM, we try hard to pay attention to the needs of our clients and adapt our services to meet as many of those needs as possible. This often means slowly expanding programs, refining them and making them better and better with time.
Take meals at the Men's Emergency Shelter. Every night of the year, local groups prepare and serve dinner to the men staying at the shelter. Depending on the group, dinner can be anything from spaghetti and meatballs to fried chicken to Korean specialties. Breakfast most days is less elaborate -- cold cereal mainly. But over time, Saturday breakfast at the shelter has expanded and taken on a more delicious flavor.
Our dinner schedule became so full (the calendar to serve an evening meal is often full several months in advance!) that we began to encourage groups to provide a hot breakfast on Saturday mornings. Now, several Saturdays a month, the men in our shelter get to enjoy pancakes, breakfast casseroles, and other tasty morning treats.
Now, the Shelter meal program is evolving once more to include passing out bagged lunches on Sundays.
Why just Sundays, you ask? EECM's Soup Kitchen serves lunch Monday through Friday and another kitchen in the area is open on Saturdays. That just leaves Sunday as a vacancy in meals for the homeless in this community.
We're trying to fill that void. Interested groups can now sign up to prepare sack lunches that staff will distribute as men leave the Shelter on Sunday mornings. Ideally, the lunches will include a sandwich, piece of fruit, beverage, and "snack" (like pretzels or chips or a dessert).
Does this sound like a project you'd like to undertake? Contact EECM's Volunteer Coordinator, Emily Huck at 412.361.5549 ext. 403 for more details. And thanks!
Showing posts with label homeless. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeless. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
A Tribute to Lester
After 9 years of faithful service as the coordinator of EECM's Drop-In Center, Lester Price is retiring from the position. The Drop-In Center is an afternoon hang-out spot for the homeless in the community. They can come, get a snack, meet with a case manager, receive referrals to other service agencies (like drug and alcohol treatment facilities), and receive a medical checkup from volunteer medical professionals who run a periodic clinic. Everyone who goes to the Drop-In (and many who don't!) know Lester. He was a ubiquitous presence there, demonstrating by his presence his deep commitment to the program and the clients he served.It seemed like the best way to bid farewell to a valuable staff member would be to share some thoughts from his fellow co-workers.
Kenny Wilmer, Bridge Housing Coordinator -- "I’ll miss him for the interconnections he had with outside agencies. Lester helped me to meet service workers from outside agencies."
Pam Jenkins, PennFree Coordinator -- "I believe that Lester focused more on others and their well-being rather than himself. He was empathetic, caring and really went above and beyond what was required of him as an employee. He was able to relate to the people that he served and he treated them with respect and encouraged them to learn to respect themselves and find a better way to live. He will be very difficult to replace, I really think that."
Bret Cogis, Emergency Homeless Services Supervisor -- "Lester was a tremendous help to the Shelter Guests. The amount of homeless resource information he possesses is amazing. His expertise in this area will be greatly missed."
And, perhaps the most touching of all -- the response of one of our homeless clients to the news that Lester was retiring: "Somebody should have called the press. They should do a story about him because he has served this community for so long and made such a difference."
Good luck, Lester! We'll miss you.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Acknowledging Humanity
Written by: Kate Snyder, Development and Donor Communications Coordinator
I happened across an interesting piece in the Post-Gazette earlier this week. It's a column about why this particular journalist gives her change to street people. On the one hand, I am one of those people she references that really think strongly that giving out money directly to the homeless is not the most efficient use of funds (supporting an established charitable organization is a much better way to help the homeless in the long run).
That said, I thought the most valuable thing about her article is the emphasis she implicitly places on recognizing the humanity of those in need. She doesn't brush by the street people and panhandlers. She greets them, interacts with them, converses with them. This can be a hard thing. It's outside many people's comfort zones and it does tend to invite more interaction than you may be prepared for. But it's a good thing, nonetheless.
Kudos to Ms. Petruzzi for acknowledging this.
I happened across an interesting piece in the Post-Gazette earlier this week. It's a column about why this particular journalist gives her change to street people. On the one hand, I am one of those people she references that really think strongly that giving out money directly to the homeless is not the most efficient use of funds (supporting an established charitable organization is a much better way to help the homeless in the long run).
That said, I thought the most valuable thing about her article is the emphasis she implicitly places on recognizing the humanity of those in need. She doesn't brush by the street people and panhandlers. She greets them, interacts with them, converses with them. This can be a hard thing. It's outside many people's comfort zones and it does tend to invite more interaction than you may be prepared for. But it's a good thing, nonetheless.
Kudos to Ms. Petruzzi for acknowledging this.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Dick and Jane at 59
Written by: Joan Millar, EECM Board Member and long-time volunteer
I drive Meals on Wheels for EECM and have done so for a number of years. Still I am always amazed and surprised at the scope of the ministry. The story my visitor told me the other day adds another dimension to EECM's concern for the people of the East End.
He was from Bridge Housing, one of EECM's housing programs for homeless men. As we drove along, we talked about this and that and soon discovered neither of us was a native Pittsburgher, I from the Midwest, he from elsewhere in the state. A bit later, after we were comfortable with each other, he began telling me the story of his life and his experience with EECM.
"I'm 59 years old and been on drugs most of my life. I been in and out of rehab a lot. It's hard. You have to have faith and believe you can do it. The most important thing is to stay away from those old friends. I got new friends here. I been clean for two years now."
We were quiet for a while and then he continued his story.
"You know, I don't read that good. I really never learned how. But I'm learning now. EECM told me about that place where they teach you to read. Some kind of a ‘council.’ I don't remember the name.* I go there two hours twice a week. I been struggling to learn. But you know what? The other day I went to the library and asked if they had any Dick and Jane books. The lady got me one and I sat down and I could read the whole book! I was so excited! I knew every word. I'm so happy!"
Imagine a 59 year old man having gained the courage and self esteem to go to the library and ask for a Dick and Jane book. His story blew me away!
* The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council
I drive Meals on Wheels for EECM and have done so for a number of years. Still I am always amazed and surprised at the scope of the ministry. The story my visitor told me the other day adds another dimension to EECM's concern for the people of the East End.
He was from Bridge Housing, one of EECM's housing programs for homeless men. As we drove along, we talked about this and that and soon discovered neither of us was a native Pittsburgher, I from the Midwest, he from elsewhere in the state. A bit later, after we were comfortable with each other, he began telling me the story of his life and his experience with EECM.
"I'm 59 years old and been on drugs most of my life. I been in and out of rehab a lot. It's hard. You have to have faith and believe you can do it. The most important thing is to stay away from those old friends. I got new friends here. I been clean for two years now."
We were quiet for a while and then he continued his story.
"You know, I don't read that good. I really never learned how. But I'm learning now. EECM told me about that place where they teach you to read. Some kind of a ‘council.’ I don't remember the name.* I go there two hours twice a week. I been struggling to learn. But you know what? The other day I went to the library and asked if they had any Dick and Jane books. The lady got me one and I sat down and I could read the whole book! I was so excited! I knew every word. I'm so happy!"
Imagine a 59 year old man having gained the courage and self esteem to go to the library and ask for a Dick and Jane book. His story blew me away!
* The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council
Monday, May 12, 2008
Cots for the Homeless
Written by: Kate Snyder
I never cease to be amazed by how awesome our volunteers are. We have a fantastic group of individuals who regularly give their time to EECM. They all deserve serious commendation for all that they do, but some really go above and beyond.
Take Wil, a volunteer with our homeless programs. If that name sounds familiar, it's because I've mentioned him before (click here and here). Wil regularly volunteers in our Men's Emergency Shelter and, through his interactions with EECM staff, he noticed that the shelter could really use some more camping cots.
Our shelter is licensed to house 24 men. On most nights, we shelter more like 30. We try not to turn people away if it can be avoided and so we sleep the overflow 
guests on cots in the dining room. But they tend to break and we were running short.
guests on cots in the dining room. But they tend to break and we were running short.But not for long -- it's Super Wil to the rescue! Wil recruited friends and family to contribute funds to purchase new cots. He found out what type we use, ordered them, and had them shipped to EECM. And just like that, we had new cots.
I cannot say enough what an amazing gift this was. Not only because the cots are great (which they are) but because Wil made it so easy for us. He did all the work -- fundraising and ordering -- because he saw a need to be met. And we appreciate him for it.
Many thanks also to everyone who contributed money for the new cots. They're perfect!
Monday, February 11, 2008
A Fresh Start
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
A new home or apartment is always an exciting thing. The empty rooms and bare walls beckon with possibility and there is a deep sense of satisfaction because this is home.
Unfortunately, along with all that enthusiasm, excitement, and chest-swelling, there are a lot of costs that come along with having your own place. The start-up costs can be particularly steep when it comes to cleaning and maintenance supplies. You know, all that pesky gear that is necessary to keeping your new home tidy…
...brooms, mops, dust-pans, glass cleaner, paper-towels, toilet brush, toilet bowl cleaner, tile scrubber, mildew remover, dust rags, dusting spray stuff, sponges, scrubby sponges, dish soap, bleach, cleaning buckets, all-purpose cleaning powders, liquids, and gels…I could keep going but I think you get the point.
Buying even the most basic of all this stuff is expensive and for our formerly-homeless clients who are transitioning to permanent housing, the costs are overwhelming.
Happily, thanks to a grant from the Rita M. McGinley Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation, EECM will now be able to provide our PennFree and Bridge Housing clients with Fresh Start Kits as they begin their new lives of independent living.
The Fresh Start Kits will contain basic cleaning tools and supplies
that will give our clients a “fresh start” in their new apartments. Each Fresh Start Kit will include a heavy-duty cleaning bucket, a mop, a broom, a high-quality scrub brush, a dust pan, rubber gloves, cleaning rags, and a variety of cleaning products.
These kits aren’t just a gesture of hospitality, done because we’re nice people. They have a very important purpose within our programs. The Fresh Start Kits allow our transitional housing clients to immediately take responsibility for the care and upkeep of their new apartments, which increases their sense of pride in ownership. This pride of ownership is vital to their success in our housing programs.
Thanks to the Rita M. McGinley Fund and The Pittsburgh Foundation for making this possible!
A new home or apartment is always an exciting thing. The empty rooms and bare walls beckon with possibility and there is a deep sense of satisfaction because this is home.
Unfortunately, along with all that enthusiasm, excitement, and chest-swelling, there are a lot of costs that come along with having your own place. The start-up costs can be particularly steep when it comes to cleaning and maintenance supplies. You know, all that pesky gear that is necessary to keeping your new home tidy…
...brooms, mops, dust-pans, glass cleaner, paper-towels, toilet brush, toilet bowl cleaner, tile scrubber, mildew remover, dust rags, dusting spray stuff, sponges, scrubby sponges, dish soap, bleach, cleaning buckets, all-purpose cleaning powders, liquids, and gels…I could keep going but I think you get the point.
Buying even the most basic of all this stuff is expensive and for our formerly-homeless clients who are transitioning to permanent housing, the costs are overwhelming.
Happily, thanks to a grant from the Rita M. McGinley Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation, EECM will now be able to provide our PennFree and Bridge Housing clients with Fresh Start Kits as they begin their new lives of independent living.
The Fresh Start Kits will contain basic cleaning tools and supplies
that will give our clients a “fresh start” in their new apartments. Each Fresh Start Kit will include a heavy-duty cleaning bucket, a mop, a broom, a high-quality scrub brush, a dust pan, rubber gloves, cleaning rags, and a variety of cleaning products.These kits aren’t just a gesture of hospitality, done because we’re nice people. They have a very important purpose within our programs. The Fresh Start Kits allow our transitional housing clients to immediately take responsibility for the care and upkeep of their new apartments, which increases their sense of pride in ownership. This pride of ownership is vital to their success in our housing programs.
Thanks to the Rita M. McGinley Fund and The Pittsburgh Foundation for making this possible!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Changing the World One Candy Cane at a Time
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
Yesterday, we received a donation from the Student Service Learning Center at Quaker Valley High School. The students of the Center had come to EECM in November to tour our facilities and learn more about the work we are doing. They went away inspired to educate their peers about the problem of homelessness and to do what they could to help.
They turned their enthusiasm into a creative and fun holiday fundraiser.
During the week of December 10th, the group sold candy-cane grams to the student body. Students paid a dollar to send two candy canes to their friends, delivered by Santa and his Elf. The candy canes had a ribbon and tag attached to them. The front of the tag displayed the sender, receiver, and a brief message. On the back of the tags, they presented facts about homelessness to get the student body thinking about the problem, and to pave the way for projects to come.
What a wonderful project!
And the candy-cane gram project was only the beginning. The Service Learning Center group is also planning to host a poverty simulation in the near future and are hoping to get more students and faculty interested in working with EECM.
Yesterday, we received a donation from the Student Service Learning Center at Quaker Valley High School. The students of the Center had come to EECM in November to tour our facilities and learn more about the work we are doing. They went away inspired to educate their peers about the problem of homelessness and to do what they could to help.
They turned their enthusiasm into a creative and fun holiday fundraiser.
During the week of December 10th, the group sold candy-cane grams to the student body. Students paid a dollar to send two candy canes to their friends, delivered by Santa and his Elf. The candy canes had a ribbon and tag attached to them. The front of the tag displayed the sender, receiver, and a brief message. On the back of the tags, they presented facts about homelessness to get the student body thinking about the problem, and to pave the way for projects to come.What a wonderful project!
And the candy-cane gram project was only the beginning. The Service Learning Center group is also planning to host a poverty simulation in the near future and are hoping to get more students and faculty interested in working with EECM.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Breakfast at the Men's Shelter
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
Let’s face it -- college kids often get a bad rap, especially when it comes to their “hours of operation.” We often assume that those wild youngsters are up partying until the wee hours of the morning and never roll out of bed before noon on the weekends. And for some that is indisputably true. But I try not paint the whole species with the same brush. And here’s why.
Last week, half a dozen students from Carnegie Mellon University showed up at out Men’s Emergency Shelter at 6 AM to serve breakfast to the men there...on a Saturday. Dinner at the shelter is always handled by groups of volunteers, but breakfast is usually more along the lines of cereal and fruit. It’s much easier to find groups willing to arrive with food at 7pm than 7am! But every now and again, a dedicated group of people makes that extra effort to provide a special hot breakfast for our homeless clients.
Like the members of Lamda Sigma, a Sophomore honor society at CMU dedicated to service. The group on Saturday was led by Carolina Velez, the bubbly and energetic president of the organization. Carolina’s ties to EECM go back a number of years to when she was a high school student at the Ellis School. The school promotes civic service
by cooking and providing dinner at the Men’s Shelter every month and Carolina was usually among the group that came.
When she arrived at college and got involved with Lambda Sigma, she remembered the positive experience she had with EECM and encouraged the members to choose serving the men at the shelter for a service project. The group made vats of pancake batter, which they cooked on cookie sheets on the stove, scrambled eggs, and sausage. They also handed out apples and granola treats for the men to take with them and eat during the day. It was a feast.
So how did our community-minded college students enjoy their morning at the shelter? Carolina reports that “some of the people we went with were a bit freaked out at first because of the hard reality that is a men’s shelter, but once they realized how nice everyone was....they got over it. And now whenever I talk about it, everyone cannot stop gushing about what a wonderful time they had and how much they want to go back!”
We’ll be happy to have them.
Let’s face it -- college kids often get a bad rap, especially when it comes to their “hours of operation.” We often assume that those wild youngsters are up partying until the wee hours of the morning and never roll out of bed before noon on the weekends. And for some that is indisputably true. But I try not paint the whole species with the same brush. And here’s why.
Last week, half a dozen students from Carnegie Mellon University showed up at out Men’s Emergency Shelter at 6 AM to serve breakfast to the men there...on a Saturday. Dinner at the shelter is always handled by groups of volunteers, but breakfast is usually more along the lines of cereal and fruit. It’s much easier to find groups willing to arrive with food at 7pm than 7am! But every now and again, a dedicated group of people makes that extra effort to provide a special hot breakfast for our homeless clients.Like the members of Lamda Sigma, a Sophomore honor society at CMU dedicated to service. The group on Saturday was led by Carolina Velez, the bubbly and energetic president of the organization. Carolina’s ties to EECM go back a number of years to when she was a high school student at the Ellis School. The school promotes civic service
by cooking and providing dinner at the Men’s Shelter every month and Carolina was usually among the group that came.When she arrived at college and got involved with Lambda Sigma, she remembered the positive experience she had with EECM and encouraged the members to choose serving the men at the shelter for a service project. The group made vats of pancake batter, which they cooked on cookie sheets on the stove, scrambled eggs, and sausage. They also handed out apples and granola treats for the men to take with them and eat during the day. It was a feast.
So how did our community-minded college students enjoy their morning at the shelter? Carolina reports that “some of the people we went with were a bit freaked out at first because of the hard reality that is a men’s shelter, but once they realized how nice everyone was....they got over it. And now whenever I talk about it, everyone cannot stop gushing about what a wonderful time they had and how much they want to go back!”
We’ll be happy to have them.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Clifford: The Big Red Van
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
EECM’s new Hunger and Homeless van, of course!
Officially, he is a 1989 Ford Club Wagon E350, but that’s a bit of a mouthful and I’m planning on calling him Clifford instead. Isn’t he handsome?
Clifford was donated to us recently by East Liberty Presbyterian Church. This is simply the most recent example of the ongoing support shown to EECM by this fabulous congregation. To read more about ELPC’s involvement with EECM, click here.
We will put our new van to good use in our Hunger and Housing programs where one of his most important duties will be collecting the daily donations of produce and baked goods from Whole Foods Market.
Thanks ELPC! And welcome to the fleet, Clifford!
What’s big and red and has Really Awesome flashing lights on top?
EECM’s new Hunger and Homeless van, of course!
Officially, he is a 1989 Ford Club Wagon E350, but that’s a bit of a mouthful and I’m planning on calling him Clifford instead. Isn’t he handsome?
Clifford was donated to us recently by East Liberty Presbyterian Church. This is simply the most recent example of the ongoing support shown to EECM by this fabulous congregation. To read more about ELPC’s involvement with EECM, click here.
We will put our new van to good use in our Hunger and Housing programs where one of his most important duties will be collecting the daily donations of produce and baked goods from Whole Foods Market.
Thanks ELPC! And welcome to the fleet, Clifford!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
What's In A Name?
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
The other day, I was chatting with EECM Board Member Joan Millar about our non-medical respite care facility, the Orr Compassionate Care Center. Joan has been involved with the Orr Center for many years and she mentioned that at the Center, they are diligent about referring to the people staying there as guests, not clients. It was only a passing comment but it stuck with me and for the last couple days, I’ve been contemplating the importance of this distinction.
I think we can all agree that language is powerful. It can (and does) shape reality – when we describe something, we give it life and meaning. I think this is particularly true when it comes to language about people. How you choose to refer to another person says a lot about what you think of him or her and will most likely influence the interaction between you, whether you realize it or not.
Just for fun, I looked up “client” and “guest” in the dictionary and found the following:
Client – the party for which professional services are rendered OR a person using the services of a social services agency.
Guest – one who is the recipient of hospitality at the home or table of another.
I feel like I could probably leave it at that and make my point, but I’ll press on for a bit, just in case. “Client” is a technical and somewhat sterile term – it makes me think of lawyers and busy people in suits. It establishes a division between “receiver of service” and “giver of service” that will not be easily breached.
On the other hand, “guest” is warm and personal. Calling someone a “guest” means that you are extending your hospitality and friendship to that person and inviting them to spend some time with you.
It’s an interesting contrast, and I think that this distinction of language – guest instead of client – has helped to create the special atmosphere that exists at the Orr Compassionate Care Center. When you walk in, you enter a very homey environment. There is nice carpeting and neatly painted walls with wooden trim. Comfy couches and house plants. The guests eat meals together, sit and chat with staff members, and are generally treated…well…like guests – with warmth, good humor, and understanding.
The other day, I was chatting with EECM Board Member Joan Millar about our non-medical respite care facility, the Orr Compassionate Care Center. Joan has been involved with the Orr Center for many years and she mentioned that at the Center, they are diligent about referring to the people staying there as guests, not clients. It was only a passing comment but it stuck with me and for the last couple days, I’ve been contemplating the importance of this distinction.
I think we can all agree that language is powerful. It can (and does) shape reality – when we describe something, we give it life and meaning. I think this is particularly true when it comes to language about people. How you choose to refer to another person says a lot about what you think of him or her and will most likely influence the interaction between you, whether you realize it or not.
Just for fun, I looked up “client” and “guest” in the dictionary and found the following:
Client – the party for which professional services are rendered OR a person using the services of a social services agency.
Guest – one who is the recipient of hospitality at the home or table of another.
I feel like I could probably leave it at that and make my point, but I’ll press on for a bit, just in case. “Client” is a technical and somewhat sterile term – it makes me think of lawyers and busy people in suits. It establishes a division between “receiver of service” and “giver of service” that will not be easily breached.
On the other hand, “guest” is warm and personal. Calling someone a “guest” means that you are extending your hospitality and friendship to that person and inviting them to spend some time with you.
It’s an interesting contrast, and I think that this distinction of language – guest instead of client – has helped to create the special atmosphere that exists at the Orr Compassionate Care Center. When you walk in, you enter a very homey environment. There is nice carpeting and neatly painted walls with wooden trim. Comfy couches and house plants. The guests eat meals together, sit and chat with staff members, and are generally treated…well…like guests – with warmth, good humor, and understanding.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Share the Warmth Coat Drive
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
My husband says I have too many coats. I disagree. Light-weight rain jacket. Heavy-duty rain coat. Brown wool pea coat. Black wool winter coat. Down ski jacket. Light-weight polar fleece jacket. Funky Tibetan wool jacket. Several semi-water-proof, mid-weight athletic jackets. Down ski vest. Clearly, each has a specific purpose and each is essential…
…or maybe not. I don’t feel too guilty when Josh gives me a hard time about the overflowing coat closet because, hey, he’s a guy. They have less stuff. But my conscience did start to prickle as we kicked off EECM’s annual Share the Warmth Fall Coat Drive.
Each year, EECM collects new or clean and gently used fall jackets and winter coats. These donations are then distributed to the men in our homeless shelter and the families who come to our food pantry. For some of these people, a warm coat could literally make the difference between life and death this winter. Ouch. That definitely makes you reevaluate the necessity of your wardrobe.
And so I have culled my own coat collection and identified several that will be going to the Coat Drive this year.
Do you have any superfluous outwear lurking unworn in your front closet? If so, share the warmth and bring them to:
EECM’s Drop-In Center
Fourth Presbyterian Church
5450 Friendship Avenue (corner of Friendship and Roup)
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Donations are accepted weekdays between 3 and 6 PM. We have a particular need for extra large men’s coats.
PS – If you already have a bare-bones closet, why not check out the local Salvation Army or Goodwill? They often have good-quality coats – you could pick up several to donate without breaking the bank.
My husband says I have too many coats. I disagree. Light-weight rain jacket. Heavy-duty rain coat. Brown wool pea coat. Black wool winter coat. Down ski jacket. Light-weight polar fleece jacket. Funky Tibetan wool jacket. Several semi-water-proof, mid-weight athletic jackets. Down ski vest. Clearly, each has a specific purpose and each is essential…
…or maybe not. I don’t feel too guilty when Josh gives me a hard time about the overflowing coat closet because, hey, he’s a guy. They have less stuff. But my conscience did start to prickle as we kicked off EECM’s annual Share the Warmth Fall Coat Drive.
Each year, EECM collects new or clean and gently used fall jackets and winter coats. These donations are then distributed to the men in our homeless shelter and the families who come to our food pantry. For some of these people, a warm coat could literally make the difference between life and death this winter. Ouch. That definitely makes you reevaluate the necessity of your wardrobe.
And so I have culled my own coat collection and identified several that will be going to the Coat Drive this year.
Do you have any superfluous outwear lurking unworn in your front closet? If so, share the warmth and bring them to:
EECM’s Drop-In Center
Fourth Presbyterian Church
5450 Friendship Avenue (corner of Friendship and Roup)
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Donations are accepted weekdays between 3 and 6 PM. We have a particular need for extra large men’s coats.
PS – If you already have a bare-bones closet, why not check out the local Salvation Army or Goodwill? They often have good-quality coats – you could pick up several to donate without breaking the bank.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
The Suit Story
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
I’d like to share a story that Wil, our fabulous homeless shelter volunteer, shared with me.
Wil is going into his tenth month of volunteering at the shelter and his friends and family have taken note. They now bring him donations of clothing or small personal items, rather than taking these things to Goodwill. Many nights, Wil arrives at the shelter with men’s shirts or a pair of shoes or a jacket. So often, in fact, that he is frequently greeted by eager inquiries – “did you bring me anything tonight?”
One day a few months ago, he had been given several mens suits by a buddy who runs a dry cleaner. After a certain period of time goes by, clothing that never gets picked up is disposed of, and today it happened to be suits.
When Wil arrived at the shelter, he was quickly approached by one of the monitors who asked if by any chance Wil had any “nicer” clothing with him that day. One of the men in the shelter was in a bind. His best friend had been shot just a few days before and the family of the friend was picking him up the next day to attend the funeral and spend time with them. However, the man had nothing to wear that was appropriate for a funeral. He desperately wanted to go but was ashamed to appear in his ragged street clothes.
One of the suits fit perfectly.
I tend not to make sweeping statements about fate, destiny, or the nature of God’s providence. But let me just say…that is pretty cool.
I’d like to share a story that Wil, our fabulous homeless shelter volunteer, shared with me.
Wil is going into his tenth month of volunteering at the shelter and his friends and family have taken note. They now bring him donations of clothing or small personal items, rather than taking these things to Goodwill. Many nights, Wil arrives at the shelter with men’s shirts or a pair of shoes or a jacket. So often, in fact, that he is frequently greeted by eager inquiries – “did you bring me anything tonight?”
One day a few months ago, he had been given several mens suits by a buddy who runs a dry cleaner. After a certain period of time goes by, clothing that never gets picked up is disposed of, and today it happened to be suits.
When Wil arrived at the shelter, he was quickly approached by one of the monitors who asked if by any chance Wil had any “nicer” clothing with him that day. One of the men in the shelter was in a bind. His best friend had been shot just a few days before and the family of the friend was picking him up the next day to attend the funeral and spend time with them. However, the man had nothing to wear that was appropriate for a funeral. He desperately wanted to go but was ashamed to appear in his ragged street clothes.
One of the suits fit perfectly.
I tend not to make sweeping statements about fate, destiny, or the nature of God’s providence. But let me just say…that is pretty cool.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Tampontification
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
And speaking of unusual donations…last Thursday's mail brought with it – in addition to the usual wave of bills, donations, catalogs, and junk mail – a box from Seventh Generation, accompanied by a check for $200. Inside the box … several cases of tampons and pantiliners!
Interesting…
Seventh Generation is a great company that specializes in environmentally-friendly household and personal care products. They market everything from laundry detergent to paper products to diapers and all of it uses renewable, non-toxic, phosphate free and biodegradable ingredients. And as an added plus, they are strictly anti-animal-testing. Huzzah!
Their motto is perfect:
And speaking of unusual donations…last Thursday's mail brought with it – in addition to the usual wave of bills, donations, catalogs, and junk mail – a box from Seventh Generation, accompanied by a check for $200. Inside the box … several cases of tampons and pantiliners!
Interesting…Seventh Generation is a great company that specializes in environmentally-friendly household and personal care products. They market everything from laundry detergent to paper products to diapers and all of it uses renewable, non-toxic, phosphate free and biodegradable ingredients. And as an added plus, they are strictly anti-animal-testing. Huzzah!
Their motto is perfect:
“In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” – From the Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy.
And now, Seventh Generation has launched a new initiative: chlorine-free feminine care products. The name of that initiative? Tampontification. Which would probably win the all-time-best-name-ever award, if such a thing existed.
And here’s the cool part – and how it is that we came to receive a box of tampons here at EECM – as part of their Tampontification initiative, Seventh Generation has created a nationwide shelter donation program. The fact is, feminine care products are expensive and many poor people (especially the homeless) find it difficult, if not impossible, to afford those oh-so-necessary products. Enter Seventh Generation.
On their website (which is absolutely fabulous and You Must See It) they established a “click to donate” page, much like the one used on the Breast Cancer Site to fund free mammograms. They’ve had such an overwhelming response that they’ve suspended the clicking option for a few months while they get all of the feminine products shipped to shelters around the country. They also send a financial contribution to be used for immediate shelter needs.
Wow.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Being There: Volunteering in the Men's Shelter
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
Back in December, our Volunteer Coordinator was approached by a young man looking to volunteer with EECM’s homeless shelter. Most volunteers who come to the shelter are there to provide a meal -- congregations and community groups provide dinner at the shelter 365 days a year. But Wil wanted something more interactive, more hands on.
And so, once a week, Wil hangs out at the shelter. He has no agenda, no fixed assignment. When asked why he’s there, he responds “I’m here to help out.” He pitches in serving the meal when needed; he assists the shelter monitors when appropriate. But mostly, he just…is. We call it friendship ministry. Others, a ministry of presence. Wil calls it relationship building.
He wants to meet the guys in the shelter. Talk with them about their lives. Make them feel important, valued, not over-looked as they so often are in life. To phrase it theologically, he seeks to share the relational nature of God with the men in our shelter. In the vernacular, he just wants to get to know them.
In an effort to be respectful, Wil says he doesn’t usually initiate conversations – he doesn’t wish to intrude if someone is seeking solitude. But the men are generally curious about his presence amongst them and conversation flows easily over a variety of topics. He’ll stand outside with the circle of men smoking cigarettes, chatting about the weather and the Steelers game. Or he’ll watch TV and join in answering the Jeopary questions, or participate in a discussion about the latest feature on CBS news.
The conversation is usually neutral – sports, weather, television – but personal stories are interspersed throughout the more impersonal topics. Occasionally a man will share some of the journey that led him to the shelter. One was a drug addict who periodically attempted to clean up but each time relapsed back into addiction. He finally hit bottom when he borrowed a family member’s car and then sold it for drug money. Until then, he had avoided homelessness by staying with family members but, as he ruefully acknowledged, this time he had burned his bridges. The man says he's on his way back up now, though, having completed a rehab program. He’s optimistic about the future.
Over time, relationships form. The population of the shelter is transient by nature and it can be difficult to establish connections. But some of the shelter clients now greet Wil enthusiastically by name and he considers this to be a good sign. EECM’s Emergency Homeless Service Manager is exuberant in his praise of Wil’s time at the shelter. He says “We often have volunteers who want to come and clean or paint, and those are obviously important tasks. But we’re equally concerned with taking care of the internal. And that really takes a special kind of person.”
Back in December, our Volunteer Coordinator was approached by a young man looking to volunteer with EECM’s homeless shelter. Most volunteers who come to the shelter are there to provide a meal -- congregations and community groups provide dinner at the shelter 365 days a year. But Wil wanted something more interactive, more hands on.
And so, once a week, Wil hangs out at the shelter. He has no agenda, no fixed assignment. When asked why he’s there, he responds “I’m here to help out.” He pitches in serving the meal when needed; he assists the shelter monitors when appropriate. But mostly, he just…is. We call it friendship ministry. Others, a ministry of presence. Wil calls it relationship building.
He wants to meet the guys in the shelter. Talk with them about their lives. Make them feel important, valued, not over-looked as they so often are in life. To phrase it theologically, he seeks to share the relational nature of God with the men in our shelter. In the vernacular, he just wants to get to know them.
In an effort to be respectful, Wil says he doesn’t usually initiate conversations – he doesn’t wish to intrude if someone is seeking solitude. But the men are generally curious about his presence amongst them and conversation flows easily over a variety of topics. He’ll stand outside with the circle of men smoking cigarettes, chatting about the weather and the Steelers game. Or he’ll watch TV and join in answering the Jeopary questions, or participate in a discussion about the latest feature on CBS news.
The conversation is usually neutral – sports, weather, television – but personal stories are interspersed throughout the more impersonal topics. Occasionally a man will share some of the journey that led him to the shelter. One was a drug addict who periodically attempted to clean up but each time relapsed back into addiction. He finally hit bottom when he borrowed a family member’s car and then sold it for drug money. Until then, he had avoided homelessness by staying with family members but, as he ruefully acknowledged, this time he had burned his bridges. The man says he's on his way back up now, though, having completed a rehab program. He’s optimistic about the future.
Over time, relationships form. The population of the shelter is transient by nature and it can be difficult to establish connections. But some of the shelter clients now greet Wil enthusiastically by name and he considers this to be a good sign. EECM’s Emergency Homeless Service Manager is exuberant in his praise of Wil’s time at the shelter. He says “We often have volunteers who want to come and clean or paint, and those are obviously important tasks. But we’re equally concerned with taking care of the internal. And that really takes a special kind of person.”
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
A Joyful Reunion
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
About a week ago, I had the opportunity to attend a very special EECM event, the 12th annual Bridge/PennFree Alumni Celebration. Appropriately titled The Journey Continues, this annual reunion is a chance for alumni of two of our transitional housing programs to get together, share their stories, reconnect with friends they made in the programs, and eat good food.
Bridge is a one-year residential housing program
for men moving from shelter living to independent housing and PennFree offers rent assistance to both men and women (including single parents). Most of the participants in both programs have histories of substance abuse and an important component to both is engagement in recovery programs.
All of EECM’s staff were invited to attend the reunion to show our support for the amazing men and women who have worked so hard to turn their lives around. I was honored to do so.
The reunion is a popular event and I think there must have been a hundred people there. Each new arrival was greeted with shouts of welcome, many hugs, and exclamations about how good everyone looked and how big their children had grown. Stories were shared and successes rejoiced over – one PennFree alumni recently moved into a better apartment in a nicer neighborhoo. Another now runs her own business.
At one point, I found myself munching on potato chips and chatting amiably with a middle-aged man named Nathaniel. He was telling me about a former acquaintance of his named Nate. Nate was bad news – they’d lived together for a number of years but ultimately parted company because Nate was trouble and did drugs. And after I few minutes, I realized that “Nate” was Nathaniel’s way of talking about his own struggles with addiction. Nate was Nathaniel’s past, the person he used to be, the self he had managed to finally leave behind, due in large part to his participation in EECM’s housing programs.
Similar themes surfaced again and again as the alumni told their tales. There were jubilant stories of celebrating another year of sobriety; stories of discovering faith in the midst of adversity and of finding light within the darkness. Each alum who spoke expressed gratitude to the EECM staff for their unwavering support, and our PennFree and Bridge staff glowed with the joy of seeing their clients and friends standing before them sober, confident, and happy.
Throughout the evening, I also felt undercurrents of sadness in the references to alumni not present. Not everyone’s story ends happily and there were painful stories, too. The friend who had fallen back into addiction. The mother unable to regain custody of her children. The young man who was back in jail after violating his parole.
But despite these moments of sorrow, the tone for the evening was one of celebration. The men and women present that evening had come a long way on their personal journeys and although there are certain to be further obstacles ahead, they feel ready to face them, one day at a time.
About a week ago, I had the opportunity to attend a very special EECM event, the 12th annual Bridge/PennFree Alumni Celebration. Appropriately titled The Journey Continues, this annual reunion is a chance for alumni of two of our transitional housing programs to get together, share their stories, reconnect with friends they made in the programs, and eat good food.
Bridge is a one-year residential housing program
for men moving from shelter living to independent housing and PennFree offers rent assistance to both men and women (including single parents). Most of the participants in both programs have histories of substance abuse and an important component to both is engagement in recovery programs.All of EECM’s staff were invited to attend the reunion to show our support for the amazing men and women who have worked so hard to turn their lives around. I was honored to do so.
The reunion is a popular event and I think there must have been a hundred people there. Each new arrival was greeted with shouts of welcome, many hugs, and exclamations about how good everyone looked and how big their children had grown. Stories were shared and successes rejoiced over – one PennFree alumni recently moved into a better apartment in a nicer neighborhoo. Another now runs her own business.
At one point, I found myself munching on potato chips and chatting amiably with a middle-aged man named Nathaniel. He was telling me about a former acquaintance of his named Nate. Nate was bad news – they’d lived together for a number of years but ultimately parted company because Nate was trouble and did drugs. And after I few minutes, I realized that “Nate” was Nathaniel’s way of talking about his own struggles with addiction. Nate was Nathaniel’s past, the person he used to be, the self he had managed to finally leave behind, due in large part to his participation in EECM’s housing programs.Similar themes surfaced again and again as the alumni told their tales. There were jubilant stories of celebrating another year of sobriety; stories of discovering faith in the midst of adversity and of finding light within the darkness. Each alum who spoke expressed gratitude to the EECM staff for their unwavering support, and our PennFree and Bridge staff glowed with the joy of seeing their clients and friends standing before them sober, confident, and happy.
Throughout the evening, I also felt undercurrents of sadness in the references to alumni not present. Not everyone’s story ends happily and there were painful stories, too. The friend who had fallen back into addiction. The mother unable to regain custody of her children. The young man who was back in jail after violating his parole.
But despite these moments of sorrow, the tone for the evening was one of celebration. The men and women present that evening had come a long way on their personal journeys and although there are certain to be further obstacles ahead, they feel ready to face them, one day at a time.
Monday, August 20, 2007
A Day at the Zoo
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! A couple weeks back, a group of EECM staff and clients followed the grey asphalt road in search of adventure and close encounters of the mammalian kind. Their destination? The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, of course!
The Pittsburgh Zoo really is one of the treasures of the city. It boasts a wide variety of animals and excellent habitat landscaping. The Zoo is buried in the heart of the city, just a few blocks from EECM (you can actually catch an occasional glimpse of the snow leopard from the road – a fact that I am positive is going to cause me to wreck my car some day), but you’d never know it once you get inside. You are instantly transported to the African Savannah or an Asian rainforest. Right now, the Zoo is particularly popular as people flock to see our tiger cubs and new polar bear exhibit.
The Pittsburgh Zoo is not only a great educational complex, it is very community-friendly. The nice people in the public relations department readily donate admission passes to worthy causes…like us! Which is how it came to pass that 12 residents and guests of Safe Haven and the Orr Compassionate Care Center, along with two adventure-loving staff members, spent a fun-filled afternoon on safari at the zoo. Wild times!
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! A couple weeks back, a group of EECM staff and clients followed the grey asphalt road in search of adventure and close encounters of the mammalian kind. Their destination? The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, of course!
The Pittsburgh Zoo really is one of the treasures of the city. It boasts a wide variety of animals and excellent habitat landscaping. The Zoo is buried in the heart of the city, just a few blocks from EECM (you can actually catch an occasional glimpse of the snow leopard from the road – a fact that I am positive is going to cause me to wreck my car some day), but you’d never know it once you get inside. You are instantly transported to the African Savannah or an Asian rainforest. Right now, the Zoo is particularly popular as people flock to see our tiger cubs and new polar bear exhibit.The Pittsburgh Zoo is not only a great educational complex, it is very community-friendly. The nice people in the public relations department readily donate admission passes to worthy causes…like us! Which is how it came to pass that 12 residents and guests of Safe Haven and the Orr Compassionate Care Center, along with two adventure-loving staff members, spent a fun-filled afternoon on safari at the zoo. Wild times!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Before and After at Bridge
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant
I am a sucker for Before and After pictures. Even though I suspect that the “befores” are unnaturally and intentionally bad and the “afters” somewhat unrealistically good thanks to excellent lighting and flattering camera angles, there’s just something impressive about seeing a transformation. And America-at-large seems to share my interest, given the popularity of shows like Extreme Home Makeover and all the talk shows that purport to magically turn average, every day people (perhaps even below average) into supermodels.
Today, I’m pleased to showcase EECM’s very own Before and After transformation – our Bridge Housing apartments. Bridge is one of our transitional housing programs. It is a one-year residential program for men who are moving from our Emergency Shelter to independent living. The program is housed in an apartment building in East Liberty and can hold up to 12 guys at any given time. Thanks to a generous grant from the City of Pittsburgh, throughout the spring and summer we were able to do some major remodeling work, both outside and inside of the building.
First off: the porches. In the pictures below, before is above and after below (although hopefully that is glaringly apparent to everyone!). The old porches were in such poor condition after years of disuse that our residents were banned from using them. Now, they are a favorite hang-out spot and make for an excellent vantage point to do a little people-watching.
Today, I’m pleased to showcase EECM’s very own Before and After transformation – our Bridge Housing apartments. Bridge is one of our transitional housing programs. It is a one-year residential program for men who are moving from our Emergency Shelter to independent living. The program is housed in an apartment building in East Liberty and can hold up to 12 guys at any given time. Thanks to a generous grant from the City of Pittsburgh, throughout the spring and summer we were able to do some major remodeling work, both outside and inside of the building.
First off: the porches. In the pictures below, before is above and after below (although hopefully that is glaringly apparent to everyone!). The old porches were in such poor condition after years of disuse that our residents were banned from using them. Now, they are a favorite hang-out spot and make for an excellent vantage point to do a little people-watching.
We also made improvements to the apartments themselves. New carpeting and lighting brightened up the hallways and every room got a new coat of paint. The bathrooms got new cabinetry and light fixtures. The kitchens are perhaps the most impressive in their transformation as each got new cabinets and countertops in addition to fresh paint. They look great!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
The Adventures of John the Intern
This summer, EECM has been fortunate enough to have an intern from Calvary Episcopal Church working with us. The congregation sponsors a "McNulty Intern" each year – the internship is named after the fourteenth rector of Calvary Church, the Rev. Arthur F. McNulty, Jr. and is designed to give a seminarian some hands-on community experience in an urban parish. This year’s intern is John Daniels, a graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary from Alexandria, Virginia.
Of the many activities John has engaged in during his time as intern, perhaps the most interesting was the night that he spent undercover in our Men’s Emergency Shelter, posing as a homeless man to get an inside look at what our clients experience at the shelter.
“I must acknowledge the trepidation that I experienced prior to my 6:30 pm arrival at the shelter. I do not take lightly the circumstances in which these men live, but I wanted to experience their reality rather than assume that our desires, abilities and capacities are in alliance… I appeared to be among the first arrivals and I tried to appear confident and yet unassuming. I immediately took a seat which offered adequate visual exposure to all the interactions between the shelter monitors and the incoming visitors. I was very impressed with the overall functioning of the homeless shelter. The monitors appeared to engage the guests in a hospitable manner. Prior to dinner the guard suggested that we give thanks for the blessings of the day. Several visitors shared community service information with the group such as the location of free bus passes, shoes, clothing, and job services and we concluded with prayer.
Shortly after 9:00 pm I received a bed assignment and was supplied with clean linen and a bath towel. I had forgotten my toothbrush, but one was provided to me. At this point, I entered the chapel sleeping area with a bit of trepidation, as I sought bunk number five. Many of the other visitors were fast asleep, watching television or engaged in a political, social and religious dialogue with one of the monitors. I preferred to observe these interactions rather than engaging in them and soon fell asleep. I received breakfast the following morning and then headed out.
I briefly considered staying an additional night…however I chose sleeping comfort and bathing privacy over the communal living of the shelter.”
John has also been visiting and interviewing our Meals on Wheels clients to get a sense of whether they would appreciate/desire pastoral calls and/or visits from members of local faith communities. He is hoping to increase the level of pastoral involvement of our member congregations in the work of EECM by providing them with ministry opportunities with our clients. Thus far, the response to his inquiries has been overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to expanding the pastoral component of our ministry.
Of the many activities John has engaged in during his time as intern, perhaps the most interesting was the night that he spent undercover in our Men’s Emergency Shelter, posing as a homeless man to get an inside look at what our clients experience at the shelter.
“I must acknowledge the trepidation that I experienced prior to my 6:30 pm arrival at the shelter. I do not take lightly the circumstances in which these men live, but I wanted to experience their reality rather than assume that our desires, abilities and capacities are in alliance… I appeared to be among the first arrivals and I tried to appear confident and yet unassuming. I immediately took a seat which offered adequate visual exposure to all the interactions between the shelter monitors and the incoming visitors. I was very impressed with the overall functioning of the homeless shelter. The monitors appeared to engage the guests in a hospitable manner. Prior to dinner the guard suggested that we give thanks for the blessings of the day. Several visitors shared community service information with the group such as the location of free bus passes, shoes, clothing, and job services and we concluded with prayer.
Shortly after 9:00 pm I received a bed assignment and was supplied with clean linen and a bath towel. I had forgotten my toothbrush, but one was provided to me. At this point, I entered the chapel sleeping area with a bit of trepidation, as I sought bunk number five. Many of the other visitors were fast asleep, watching television or engaged in a political, social and religious dialogue with one of the monitors. I preferred to observe these interactions rather than engaging in them and soon fell asleep. I received breakfast the following morning and then headed out.
I briefly considered staying an additional night…however I chose sleeping comfort and bathing privacy over the communal living of the shelter.”
John has also been visiting and interviewing our Meals on Wheels clients to get a sense of whether they would appreciate/desire pastoral calls and/or visits from members of local faith communities. He is hoping to increase the level of pastoral involvement of our member congregations in the work of EECM by providing them with ministry opportunities with our clients. Thus far, the response to his inquiries has been overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to expanding the pastoral component of our ministry.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Project Soap
Written by: Kate Snyder, Executive Assistant. The quote was respectfully borrowed from the May 2007 edition of The Journal, the magazine of the Coin Laundry Association.
At EECM, we spend a lot of time brainstorming new ideas and seeking out new partnerships with community organizations, and I love this process. What I love even more, though, is when a great idea seeks us out instead!
A couple months ago we were approached by Evan Hirsh, the president of the West Penn Coin Laundry Association (WPCLA). Mr. Hirsh had an idea that was looking for an outlet: the stores in the association from time to time found themselves in possession of damaged, dented and otherwise “unvendable” boxes of soap and fabric softener. What to do with them? Well…why not distribute them to social service organizations? And thus was born Project Soap.
Mr. Hirsh explains that “we feel as though part of our mandate as a professional trade association is to provide opportunities for our members to jointly provide for the less fortunate in our community…where each of us individually might not have much to offer, as a group we believe that we will be able to gather quite a bit of produce for distribution.”
In addition to the supplies collected by the individual stores, a few local commercial soap distributors have agreed to donate supplies to the effort. EECM cheerfully accepts these soap donations for use throughout our housing programs. We offer laundry facilities to all of our residential housing clients. At any given time, we have more than 50 individuals in those programs, from the Men’s Emergency Shelter to the Orr Compassionate Care Center, and so we are always in need of laundry detergent. It’s a perfect partnership!
At EECM, we spend a lot of time brainstorming new ideas and seeking out new partnerships with community organizations, and I love this process. What I love even more, though, is when a great idea seeks us out instead!
A couple months ago we were approached by Evan Hirsh, the president of the West Penn Coin Laundry Association (WPCLA). Mr. Hirsh had an idea that was looking for an outlet: the stores in the association from time to time found themselves in possession of damaged, dented and otherwise “unvendable” boxes of soap and fabric softener. What to do with them? Well…why not distribute them to social service organizations? And thus was born Project Soap.
Mr. Hirsh explains that “we feel as though part of our mandate as a professional trade association is to provide opportunities for our members to jointly provide for the less fortunate in our community…where each of us individually might not have much to offer, as a group we believe that we will be able to gather quite a bit of produce for distribution.”
In addition to the supplies collected by the individual stores, a few local commercial soap distributors have agreed to donate supplies to the effort. EECM cheerfully accepts these soap donations for use throughout our housing programs. We offer laundry facilities to all of our residential housing clients. At any given time, we have more than 50 individuals in those programs, from the Men’s Emergency Shelter to the Orr Compassionate Care Center, and so we are always in need of laundry detergent. It’s a perfect partnership!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Extreme Home Makeover -- Safe Haven Edition
Written by: Doug Myers, Youth Minister at First United Methodist Church. This post is his reflections on a series of “work days” spent by the youth of FUMC at EECM’s Safe Haven program. FUMC has earmarked the majority of its youth ministry budget for improvements to the Safe Haven apartments, including cleaning and providing new linens, beddings and other necessities.
I wish I could explain how cleaning bathrooms and kitchens at a Men's Shelter can be fun, but in addition to our 10 youth who spent their Saturday morning doing just that, I can assure you that Jesus was smiling!
Armed with buckets, rubber gloves, sponges, and various cleansers our
youth attacked four apartments, and wiped, scrubbed, swept and polished. During the first work day, we helped the eight residents of Safe Haven to have the cleanest kitchens and bathrooms they have had in years! They also have new kitchen & bath towels and shower curtains. We returned several weeks later for a second work day spent painting four of the eight bedrooms. We also provided new mattress covers, sheets, pillowcases and blankets. A third workday in April was spent giving the remaining four bedrooms the same improvements.
These work days have been a tremendous success in many ways. First of all, eight men living at the Safe Haven shelter now have cleaner and more attractive living quarters. Secondly, these men were motivated to help themselves, working right alongside our youth. Karlin Bilcher of the EECM commented that he was impressed not only by how hard our youth worked, but that they didn't treat this as a charity project, thus preserving the dignity of the residents.
Aside from the physical help our youth provided, these men were visibly affected by these teenagers spending their Saturday working at the shelter, as evidenced by their standing at the windows waving as we left. No teenager wants to crawl out of bed on a Saturday morning to go to church to work – but this group di
d it with enthusiasm - and was rewarded with the glow that comes from serving others and the respect and admiration of their leaders for their faithful Christian witness. Our goal has not been to make the shelter a palace (fortunately!), but to show the residents that Christians, especially young ones, care about them and are willing to come to their home to help them.
Two images that will stay with me for some time are from the first work day. I was in the apartment in the neighboring building and came back to find two of our teens cleaning a bathroom and the residents of that unit cleaning the kitchen. It was obvious that the grime in the kitchen had been building for some time; that some teens were scrubbing the sink, tub and toilet motivated the residents to join in the work. Secondly, when we were getting into the van to leave that first day several residents were standing at the windows waving. I took that as confirmation that what we were doing was making a difference.
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matt 25:40 NIV)
I wish I could explain how cleaning bathrooms and kitchens at a Men's Shelter can be fun, but in addition to our 10 youth who spent their Saturday morning doing just that, I can assure you that Jesus was smiling!
Armed with buckets, rubber gloves, sponges, and various cleansers our
youth attacked four apartments, and wiped, scrubbed, swept and polished. During the first work day, we helped the eight residents of Safe Haven to have the cleanest kitchens and bathrooms they have had in years! They also have new kitchen & bath towels and shower curtains. We returned several weeks later for a second work day spent painting four of the eight bedrooms. We also provided new mattress covers, sheets, pillowcases and blankets. A third workday in April was spent giving the remaining four bedrooms the same improvements.These work days have been a tremendous success in many ways. First of all, eight men living at the Safe Haven shelter now have cleaner and more attractive living quarters. Secondly, these men were motivated to help themselves, working right alongside our youth. Karlin Bilcher of the EECM commented that he was impressed not only by how hard our youth worked, but that they didn't treat this as a charity project, thus preserving the dignity of the residents.
Aside from the physical help our youth provided, these men were visibly affected by these teenagers spending their Saturday working at the shelter, as evidenced by their standing at the windows waving as we left. No teenager wants to crawl out of bed on a Saturday morning to go to church to work – but this group di
d it with enthusiasm - and was rewarded with the glow that comes from serving others and the respect and admiration of their leaders for their faithful Christian witness. Our goal has not been to make the shelter a palace (fortunately!), but to show the residents that Christians, especially young ones, care about them and are willing to come to their home to help them.Two images that will stay with me for some time are from the first work day. I was in the apartment in the neighboring building and came back to find two of our teens cleaning a bathroom and the residents of that unit cleaning the kitchen. It was obvious that the grime in the kitchen had been building for some time; that some teens were scrubbing the sink, tub and toilet motivated the residents to join in the work. Secondly, when we were getting into the van to leave that first day several residents were standing at the windows waving. I took that as confirmation that what we were doing was making a difference.
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matt 25:40 NIV)
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