Today

Let's just talk about today. Today is a rainy day in the Flathead, the sort of day that is best served with a warm cup of coffee and your shoes off. The hallways are full of sounds of families and children. The phones are busy, doors opening and closing and the staff is full tilt in the business of helping the homeless.

Today there are 36 people in the shelter. This includes single gentlemen that have been homeless a long time as well as young families with children that are homeless for an unforseen reason. There are life stories ranging from illness, domestic violence and financial hardship. These include children in the families ranging from 3 months old to 16 years old.

Today there are also 67 people in the other housing here. These people are working to get on their feet, maintain a budget, increase income and meet other goals they have set. Most of these families have very slim margins for success.

This makes a total of 103 people on the campus today that are homeless or were very recently homeless.

I have received calls already today from Lamplighter Adult Mental Health, Adult Protective Services, Brendan House (the local long term nursing care home) and Neighbors in Need (the local clearing house for all types of assistance).

In the mail today I received award notice for a $1,500 grant as well as some donations from a local business and a family that routinely supports the shelter.

Today I have a meeting with a gentleman who is working to get the Samaritan House staff medical insurance, something I feel that in good responsibility all employers should at least be trying to do.

There is a leak in a pipe in the boiler room, the plumber reassures me he will be here by noon. This reminds me, I need to go empty the drip bucket.

There are three volunteers here today, as well as people stopping by to donate clothing and household items.

Today is a pretty typical day at the shelter.