November 2023 Newsletter

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Clients Want To Be Staff

Our clients understand homelessness and the Mission operation because of their experience. When becoming staff members, there is no surprise or culture shock. There is understanding and empathy for the homeless.

More than half our paid staff man-hours are from men and women that were on programs. Seven such positions are now occupied, including three store clerks, a maintenance person, a men’s supervisor, a women and children’s supervisor, and our newest position of cook. An eighth position is open. This is a vocational rehabilitation and employment service for the homeless. They have responsibility that builds confidence, develops resumes, and provides income.

Samantha, known as Sam, was married for 25 years. They had three children, a mortgage payment, a car, a cat and a dog. Her husband worked in the field of education, she worked in retail. She said, “I thought we had the perfect life, we even went to church:’ But he met someone else online. When she lost her job, they could no longer afford the house payment. The family split, with the husband pursuing a new relationship, the grown children going their own ways, and Sam quietly becoming homeless. She settled for unhealthy, codependent, even abusive relationships for protection, rather than be lonely and vulnerable on the streets.

Our Samaritan Inn, for homeless women and children, was recommended to her. She said, “Samaritan Inn is a blessing. I have a roof over my head, showers, food, feeling safe, a good place to start life over. There is good support from staff and program:’ That was four years ago. Since then she left our shelter and worked a couple of different jobs. Recently, Sam became a paid staff cook at Samaritan Inn, because she wanted to return to a place that had such an impact on her life and be a part of helping other women.