First Time, But Not The Last by Annette Lewis

Friday morning by 6:15 I had two boxes of Cliff bars and ten oranges in my tote bag arriving at the Winter Shelter on East Main. It was dark and cold, but the parking lot was well lit; the building was open and people were up getting dressed and packed. Some were smiling, some were not quite awake as I wandered down the hall to find the kitchen. There the lights were on, coffee was brewing and hot water for tea was readying for the official up and on to get ready for breakfast and buses. Everyone must be gone by 7:30.

Amazing efficiency is what I saw along with pleasant greetings from volunteers and evening residents. Everyone knew 6:30 was the time all lights were on and coffee and tea were being wheeled into the room where folks ate. Some of the RVUUF helpers were old hands, had been volunteering at this and other shelters for years, others like myself were newbies asking questions, trying not to get in the way, but be helpful. Clear procedures were in process. With everyone jumping in and helping out spills were wiped up, more coffee and hot water was available. By now quite awake, beds were stripped, pillows, and sleeping gear was packed and folks were making breakfast choices: cheese sticks, peanut butter sandwiches, granola or cliff bars, mini quiches, orange quarters, hard boiled eggs. Which, how many, thank you, and smiles over and over again. Conversations happen, cups are cleaned and loaded into the dishwasher to be sterilized.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I’ve heard over and over, and something to get one going ready to face the world, warm and nourished. Could I volunteer again, absolutely. “ Thank you for being here,” I was told, thank you for the opportunity is what I felt.

Growth & Change by Dickie Wilson

I have “slept with the homeless” for four years and have watched the program change and vastly improve over that time. Instead of sleeping on the floor in Pioneer Hall which never felt clean, having to deal with difficult and unmonitored guests, cleaning the bathrooms and mopping the floors, we are now happily ensconced in the Rogue Valley church. Everyone now has a bunk bed that is their assigned spot, the guests are guaranteed their warm, safe space seven nights a week In the same place from November through the end of March. There is now a fire watch person who is awake all night which means it is ok to sleep a bit, and the cleaning is done by a paid guest.  All in all, it is rewarding to see the town of Ashland and the various churches step up to help these vulnerable people. I have enjoyed being part of this kindly outreach.