Welcome House collaborates with the community to provide a continuum of quality services for individuals and families who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to eradicate homelessness, foster stability and promote a just society.
Imagine all of your possesions in a garbage bag...
Can you imagine all of your material possessions in a plastic garbage bag and carrying it with you wherever you go? People who experience homelessness have usually been evicted from their apartment or house and live doubled up with others before ever entering a shelter. As devastating as this may be, the most significant losses are those less tangible. The inability to provide for the basic needs of my family on what I can earn. The loss of independence and the need to ask for help. Not feeling worthy of being loved or accepted. Being so focused on day-to-day survival that "thriving" is no longer a possibility. Not being able to see a way out of poverty and knowing it is the legacy I leave to my children. Loss of hope.
The homeless bear precious gifts...
And yet, the homeless come bearing precious gifts. In their collective wisdom they teach us: about the expectations that we have of which we are unaware; a different world view; about surviving and what it takes to thrive; the importance of hope and relationships in our lives; and what it means to be generous and courageous.
We know how to welcome those we serve...
At Welcome House we have been "taught" how best to offer solace to those we serve by: accepting people as they are; active listening - learning from people's stories; appreciating differences; witnessing and celebrating people's gifts and their achievements; being genuine and persistent; supporting and encouraging; treating people with dignity and respect; and going the distance with them. It is hope which gives all of us the strength to live and continually try new things.
