Reach out a helping hand to . . .

Do you have 4 hours a month that you could use to help people in need? How about 2 hours? The Shalom Center’s homeless shelter program is looking for your assistance. INNS-Interfaith Network Nightly Shelter is housed in several local churches and the homeless rotate between them all over town. This program started 20 years ago, modeled on the PADS program in Lake County. It was originally run exclusively by volunteers from October 1 to April 30. Over the years volunteers have dwindled and paid staff was hired to help in the winter and to run the program in the summer. As you can imagine this really increases the operating budget. This year donations to the Shalom Center are down just when the campaign to raise funds for a permanent shelter building is starting. The program is looking at ways to save, perhaps by not serving supper or making lunches. With adequate numbers of volunteers, staffing needs decrease from 2-3 per shift to one, a major saving!

I was just reading an article in the TIME magazine about a poll that found that many people in this time of recession are volunteering less. They are anxious about bills and loosing their health care, etc., and that makes it hard to think of the needs of others. I had thought naively that when people weren’t “too busy with work” that there would be more volunteers. It is sad to think of the possibility of loosing the INNS program at the time when it is the most needed and should be expanded.

Volunteering has benefits for the volunteer. Among the consequences of being unemployed is a loss of self-worth, boredom and lack of social contacts. I find that I meet some wonderful, interesting people, guests and co-workers, when I serve at INNS. It is a way to be helpful just by showing up. You don’t need skills or degrees or prior preparation, just a short orientation. It is safe. There is always a staff person on site. It does your heart good to know you are making a difference in the lives of men, women and children. Yes, we get children, sometimes even tiny babies.

An INNS shift is about 4 hours – 6:30pm-11:00, 11:00-3:00am, and 3:00-7:00am. Each shift has a few chores, but there isn’t much work involved. Someone has to be present, in case of emergency, to dial 911, to be welcoming and helpful, treating the guests with dignity. It is also great to just help with meals. You could make a dessert or come in for an hour or two to help with breakfast or supper. Participating churches are: Christian Reformed – Mondays, St. Mary’s Catholic – Tuesdays, Immanuel United Methodist – Wed, Thurs, and Friday, Grace Lutheran – Saturday and Lord of Life Lutheran – Sunday. The Thursday, Friday and Saturdays are the most in need of help. For more information call the Shalom Center, 658-1713 and talk to Vicki at ext. 125 or Justin at ext. 126.

Could you help? Do you know someone who has more time now? Send this link along to them. Don’t delay; the fall season starts October 1st. You can make a difference.

Best wishes and God bless you,
Marieta, site manager at Immanuel

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