3 min read
Longing for Community
Every year, the holiday season seems to start earlier—decorations go up and purchases are made in preparation for Christmas long before December....
Thousands of women and children have found solace at the Crisis Shelter since it opened in January 2007. They come from all walks of life. Some have lost loved ones. Some are fleeing domestic violence. Some have lost jobs and children. And some are struggling with mental illness or addiction. But they all have one thing in common: They need a safe place to go.
The stories below have been taken from a running journal that Crisis Shelter staff keep each day. These vignettes give a window into life at the Crisis Shelter and the individuals coming through our doors.
Of course, none of what happens at the Shelter is possible without this generous community. People go above and beyond to bless the women and children.
Individuals, companies, and churches have contributed fun nights for our women and children to attend plays, a train ride around Riverfront Park, dolls, books, stuffed animals, quilts – this only scratches the surface. Church groups come and bless the women on Mother's Day with manicures and flowers. Gonzaga basketball players stopped by with a meal last year. The Hell’s Angels next door have brought gifts for our kids several Christmases in a row. And faithful volunteers watch children to give the moms a break, listen to heartbreaking stories and pray, pray, pray.
It’s incredible watching people rally around our guests in efforts to encourage them and give them hope, whether it be by providing food, prayer, or their presence.
Even though we’re grateful for all that has happened at the current Crisis Shelter, we’ve dreamed of the day when we can provide these precious women and children with a better home that has a greater number of resources to help them break the cycle and turn their lives in a new direction.
Now, with the community’s help, it’s happening. You can learn more about the new Crisis Shelter, here.
Update: UGM moved the Crisis Shelter to 1515 E. Illinois Ave. in December 2016. If you'd like to tour the new shelter, please call 509.535.8510.
If you’d like to be a part of serving homeless women and children, give below.
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We asked high-impact volunteer Margene Nobles to discuss her work with guests at UGM's Crisis Shelter for Women and Children.