We knew it was coming – or did we? It always unfolds the same way when we have a winter storm. I watch the weather (hourly). We are so aware that the people we serve need preparation.
It’s different when you are responsible for a shelter because it’s about the ladies…..but it also involves the safety of our volunteers. Each time we have a storm it is a little different yet always the same. Forecasts come down and change by the hour. We plan, then we plan again, then we adjust and then we wait. I called off our weekend shelter staff on Wednesday, knowing that if we had to navigate the snow and ice over the weekend, I would be the one to do so.
Winter Storm Diego was predicted early. We first thought that we would be unable to transport and staff volunteers at the host faith community. Then we wondered if we would be able to move the ladies on Sunday (our weekly moving day). There aren’t enough words to tell you how hard Carol (Jubilee Community) and her volunteers worked to make sure that the ladies could all get to the host site before the snow began on Saturday.
The ladies and I rolled into the AHOPE Day Center at 1:40pm on Saturday for them to shower and repack for the weekend. Our pickup time was 3:45pm. It was a quiet time for them. Weather anticipation brings that feeling of the unknown, which no one likes to have. We laughed and we joked but when the snow began to fall at 3:00pm we were full of angst. I reassured the ladies that Jubilee is three blocks from us and that they would get to shelter. I am reminded of one of the ladies who stood looking out of the front door window for what seemed an eternity. It wasn’t snowing that hard and I wondered what she was looking for. Managing anxiety when living in constant crisis (homelessness) is more than difficult.
At 3:45pm, on schedule, a volunteer from Jubilee pulled up out front. We have a client with a car and she agreed to have some sister clients ride with her. I took one in my truck and away we went. Less than five minutes later all of the Room in the Inn ladies were safe in shelter. They remained at Jubilee until Sunday morning!
We have a text chain and I have checked in with them several times a day. I also spoke to Carol from Jubilee several times a day. It worked! Well, we are still separated from our mattresses but (hopefully) later today. All of the wondering, planning, worrying and logistics WORKED!
On Monday, the ladies were greeted by another host faith community. We don’t disclose where we are while we are there but I can tell you that on Monday the ladies took their sleeping bags and pillows and were picked up (early) by this week’s volunteers. The church wanted them to be inside before the refreezing that was coming. I wanted Janette, our case manager, home before the refreeze. They were safe and warm last night, and they have been given the blessing of remaining in shelter all day today.
You see, this thing called Room in the Inn, it is based around more volunteers that I can count. It is nurtured by staff. It is loved and carried out by people of many faith groups that all agree we are here to love. We all have the same goals: keeping the ladies safe and cared for, with the ultimate goal of them being housed. God sent me this career path. There are days when I ask why but when I see the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and realize how blessed I am to walk with them and the ladies, I have my answer.
Now, ABOUT THOSE MATTRESSES!
Nana Reflections 