House Rules: Monika’s House Shelter as a Temporary Home
by Shanya Luther, Community Outreach Coordinator
In the world of crisis, it is the matters of life or death, of safety and danger, of hope and fear that count. You can probably imagine that in a world of crisis whether or not the sheets get folded or the cleaning supplies get back where they belong is of little concern. But in a communal living environment, it is precisely these ‘everyday’ concerns that matter. Whether you can find supplies, where they belong, if you have enough of something are all issues in communal living. So what happens when you are running a shelter, i.e. a communal living situation, for survivors of domestic violence, i.e. people in crisis?
The truth is, you find a balance and work on it all the time. That’s why our shelter house manager Sonja Farster is coordinating Monika’s House to create the best possible use of space for our donations, to make places for supplies that need to be accessed regularly, and to help the daily functioning of the shelter run more smoothly. Everything from what color are the walls (for optimum peace and relaxation) to finding a donor for new flooring (to replace an outdated, institutional feel); and from labeling shelves in the storage sheds (for the ease of locating items) to organizing closets (to maximize the use of space) are all jobs Sonja is tackling. All of these projects are aimed at making the shelter the most comfortable and functional environment for survivors, all of whom have far more critical issues to deal with. Every bit we can do to make their experience in shelter better is one less thing they have to use energy for.
We are so grateful for your, the community’s, support of our agency, our shelter, and all of our programs. We are working to be the best stewards of that support. Ultimately, our goal is to see that shelter residents will have the best possible experience in our programs and that our everyday work will further their healing and opportunities to create safe and healthy relationships.
If you’d like to be a part of our success in providing a safe and healthy environment for domestic violence survivors at our Monika’s House Shelter, you can do it right now. Click here to make a secure and instant donation. Thank you for your support.
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More stories:
Editorial: Holiday Giving
Volunteer Spotlight: The Rindel Boys
Invitation: Free Holiday Concerts with ISing Community Choir
Journeys of Survival: Vicki B.
