What happened at the shelter January 2-8

Monday January 2:  One of our guests took on the task to deep clean a room that we had suspected bugs.  The room has never been so clean.  It is a beautiful thing to see the ladies take ownership of the shelter.  We then moved ladies back into the room.    We had a fantastic small group at the shelter this evening that focused on who these ladies are in Christ.

Tuesday January 3:  We had a conversation with a guest who in essence was telling her roommates that she was not going to allow another guest to enter our long term program.  This made the shelter unsafe.  In the midst of the conversation it became apparent that this guest was showing no remorse for her plan.  She did acknowledge that it was wrong but was determined to ensure that this guest would not move forward with her life.  Ultimately we asked the guest to leave.  Another guest was passed out.  It took staff awhile to wake her up but when they did finally get her moving it became obvious that she was very drunk.  She denied it but did blow a .31 and was asked to leave.             

Wednesday January 4:  Across the street from the shelter someone was shot.  We did not hear whether the person shot made it or not.  Volunteers and staff continued to work toward clearing our basement so that we can make some renovations.  At this point it is still undetermined if everything needs to come out or not.

Thursday January 5:    It was officially determined that everything will need to come out of the basement for the upcoming renovations.      

Friday January 6:  We have begun pushing more of our Good Workers to work off site (Thrift Store, AOH-Program)  Some of the ladies experienced anxiety over working some place other than the shelter.  We are wrapping around this fear and using it to teach the ladies.

Weekend:   Staff, good workers and volunteers did a great job in clearing out the basement.  All will be ready for the maintenance team to start work anytime after Monday night.  Great work everyone!   

General comments:   We are working through some changes of policy where the guests are limited in how much stuff they can bring to the Crisis Shelter.  In essence all that they can have at the shelter must fit in a 30 gallon tub, food in milk crate or fridge and shoes on top of tub.  This should keep the shelter cleaner, more orderly and more presentable to new guests.