|
MEMBERS’ CORNER 1 |
|
WELCOME WHAT WE DO MEET US IRLN DEMOCRACY CIRCLES INTERFAITH YOUTH CURRENT ISSUES GUEST WRITER OUR LEGISLATORS JOIN US/DONATE USEFUL LINKS CONTACT US
© 2008 ● The Interfaith Alliance of Idaho ● Privacy Policy |
|
The Interfaith Alliance of Idaho
PO Box 15893 208-368-6772
208-331-7028
|
|
Sharon Matthies, 12/15/2007 [On Interfaith Sanctuary Homeless Services] Because my schedule allowed it, I was able to attend Sanctuary's open house on November 3. Over the years, I've had lots of questions like "how do people find themselves between homes?" and "what can be done to help them at such a moment of crisis?" (Having experienced the frightening reality of having literally two dollars to my name when I finally landed a job a couple decades ago -- and that was without any other complications -- I know at least one of the answers.) Many of those questions were answered that afternoon, as Ed Keener led a group on a guided tour. Here's some of what I discovered: * 45% of residents are employed. * They can stay as long as they need. * The shelter helps people find the resources they need, including affordable housing. * This is the only shelter that keeps families intact. (There's a men's sleeping room, a women's sleeping room, a family sleeping room, and a room for those who are under the influence.) * This is the only shelter that takes folks who are under the influence; they must be able to walk. If they are unable to comport themselves, they are then provided transportation to an ER (via police) where they can be properly cared for. * Residents sleep at Sanctuary and can spend time relaxing in the evening. Hospitality/gathering areas allow folks to read, play games, watch TV, and visit. * Sanctuary provides evening and nighttime shelter plus bathrooms (no showers) and a minimal kitchen for snacking and cold or microwaved breakfasts -- especially helpful for those whose work schedules may not synch up with the meal times at other facilities. * Showers are at Corpus Christi house nearby, along with phones, and a daytime place to do paperwork, look for work, and so forth. * Three free meals a day are available at Boise Rescue Mission's new digs just a couple blocks away. Having recently changed their parameters regarding access to food, the Rescue Mission now has just one requirement for Sanctuary residents seeking a meal: a coupon from Sanctuary. * There's already a small library, and more books and bookshelves would be welcome. See the wish list online for more details. (Link, plus most pressing needs, are in Pam's e-mail below.) * There are 20 faith groups involved in this collaborative effort at Sanctuary! Beyond the Idaho Voices of Faith coalition in 1994 (formed in response to the anti-gay ballot measure that year), this type of interfaith effort is unprecedented in the state of Idaho. As we arrived at the sleeping rooms, tears welled up upon seeing the handcrafted quilts and hand carved wooden beds. This is where we were told that * Latter Day Saints donated the wooden bed frames, all the handmade quilts, and all the bedding. * The city of Boise donated the metal bunk bed frames. * For various medical reasons such as arthritis, many residents are unable to sleep on the top bunk, so Sanctuary will be expanding the number of beds. * Residents are assigned a specific bed and their own 18-gallon storage box. The facility is locked during the day so that each person's belongings are safe. In various conversations over time, I've heard several people say that many folks who are homeless are in such a situation out of choice; that they don't want to take the responsibility of caring for an apartment, having a job, and so forth. My intuition told me that just doesn't make sense; who'd choose to be without a consistent and stable place to rest, bathe and feed one's self? During the several hours I was at Sanctuary, as I looked at the 18-gallon box/tote and considered the logistical challenges I'd face if most of my belongings had to fit in that tiny space and a backpack, I became convinced that there can't be a lot of people who'd choose such a situation. That view was further bolstered by the 12/4/07 forum on homelessness. More on that in a second e-mail. In the meantime, I'll close this section by saying: I am in awe of both the breadth of the set of problems and the depth of the folks (the ones in the safety net as well as those helping to provide it) who are addressing them. May our hearts expand to hold them all. |
