Fresh Clothes; Fresh Start
The following is a piece written by Bekah Bailey that was featured in our Fall 2022 Newsletter
For nearly 40 years, volunteers have been the backbone of the Listening House. We have built long lasting relationships through our dedicated volunteers that continue to support our guests whether it be one visit a month, coming in quarterly to give guests a fresh, new haircut, or our tireless volunteers that come in multiple times a week to make sure our guests' needs are met. Our volunteers have helped create a space where guests can feel valued, heard, and comfortable when provided with everyday items that we all as a team work to provide.
Once dubbed “a sanctuary from the streets,” our mission is to welcome our community through radical hospitality. We work hard through onboardings, training, and feeling comfortable diving into the deep end with our volunteers to be prepared to help our guests the minute they walk in our doors. This week I had the opportunity to talk with Ruth, a volunteer who spends her time with us working in the donation room, curating weather appropriate and comfortable outfits for anyone in need of some clean clothes. Ruth has been with Listening House since 2021 after finding our volunteer opportunities via google and the work she’s done is immeasurable.
“Primarily, I work with Gary and Jim. Michael just joined our team. The clothing center processes clothing donations and dispenses clothing and shoes, head-to-toe attire, to guests. Gary and Jim travel relatively long distances to serve the people. These guys are retired and though our ages vary, they are peers. Sometimes we sing, often we chat and occasionally disagree - all with good will and the intent to do well by the guests. All Listening House guests are individuals… Some use Listening House as a Community Center, friends, daily sitting at their table, playing cards, sharing breakfast, lunch and dinner. Volunteers get to know the regulars and vice versa. Volunteers are rewarded by greetings and teasing, and sometimes help. Some of the guests are in dire situations. All are welcome and are treated with respect and generosity.”
One story from this “donation room team” that always stands out is when we had a guest who was recently released from the hospital and dropped off at our doors. He came in with nothing on but a set of paper scrubs. Listening House volunteers were able to get him a new clean outfit, a new pair of shoes, and a backpack with hygiene items and some snacks. Moments like this remind us that without the help of volunteers we wouldn’t be able to follow through with our mission of “Radical Hospitality.”
As Listening House grows and moves into our own space, we are excited to create an even more robust volunteer team to help our guests. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or attending one of our monthly onboarding events, please email our volunteer coordinator at bekah@listeninghouse.org