ShelterCare Employees Play Important Role In Extreme Weather Response

(After the tragic death of a homeless veteran in Eugene during the extreme weather in December, a grassroots coalition was formed to address the lack of an emergency response plan for freezing weather and the homeless population. Until the city develops an emergency/disaster plan for extreme weather, this coalition will work together to ensure that emergency shelter is available to the area's homeless population in the event of extreme weather. ShelterCare is a part of this emergency coalition and has offered the services of its highly trained clinical staff to serve as leads for volunteers. In addition, a number of ShelterCare employees from other areas have also participated at the emergency shelters. 

ShelterCare's Human Resources Generalist Cindy Solari volunteered to help at the makeshift shelter at the First Christian Church in Eugene during the nights of January 25th and 26th, when the lows were in the mid-20s. This was the second time the coalition offered emergency shelter due to a period of extreme weather. The following summarizes what she told us about what was ultimately a very rewarding and memorable experience.)

On the first night, Cindy somewhat unexpectedly found herself in charge of the kitchen duties upon her arrival at the First Christian Church. With the help of her best friend Denise and ShelterCare's Assistant Executive Director for Programs Rebekah Lambert, Cindy's crew pulled off a highly successful dinner for which the guests (29 on the first night and 44 on the second) were most appreciative.

For the main course, the crew prepared a warm and hearty chili. A pleasant surprise for Cindy was how grateful the guests were for the salad the crew made as a side dish. The guests were also thrilled that the crew had supplied pears and olives to enhance the meal. Fresh items are extremely difficult to come by when one is living on the streets and many guests went out of their way to thank the kitchen crew. Many offered to help-with dishes, or setting up cots, or whatever they could do to express their gratitude that someone had thought of them. 

Cindy learned a great deal from the experience and felt reflective afterward. She was particularly struck by the story of one young couple. After having been homeless for nearly one year, they were happy to the point of tears over something as simple as not having to split up for the night (as is common in many shelters). The young man also expressed some sadness and frustration about how impossible it seems to be able to get back on one's feet after a bout of homelessness. He has a few incidents of illegal trespass on his permanent record, due to being homeless, which makes it nearly impossible to get a job-a crucial part of ending homelessness. 

Cindy was especially thrilled by the reaction of her best friend Denise. Denise had volunteered to help Cindy, even though it was something she had never done before. At the end of the experience she thanked Cindy for the opportunity to be a part of such an enlightening and rewarding experience.