Women's Shelter

Along with FeedSeattle, I also volunteer at Tabitha House; an emergency homeless women's shelter.  The ladies line up as some place downtown to get into a shelter for the night, then they are bussed to whatever shelter they got in.  Tabitha is in the basement of Bethany Community Church in Greenlake.  I show up at 8:30p to set out the mattresses while others make some snacks for the ladies.  Up to 12 ladies arrive at 9p, eat and get ready for bed, with lights out at 10p.  At 6a we all wake, clean up, grab a quick breakfast, then they are back on the van headed downtown at 6:30a.  It's a GREAT service that Bethany Community Church does, and one that ALL churches should do!

Last night was volunteer night for me, and the group was a bit older than average. I sat around listening to the ladies talk about normal stuff; politics, family, etc.  I couldn't help but feel disdain for their families.  Letting their mothers, sisters, and even grandmothers stay in a homeless shelter.  I know there is a certain percentage of the homeless population that does not want, and will not take, assistance; but I think that is the exception and not the rule.  One lady talking about how her family is upset she is staying at Tabitha because it is run by a church, and they will not talk to her because of it.  "EXCUSE ME?!?!  If you would take care of your family they would not have to turn to emergency services, and be taken care of by a church that you disdain so!"

Homelessness is a problem, and the responsibility is NOT all on the homeless themselves.

That's that for now, stay warm everyone.

ToddS