This was an open invitation to the general public to spend a homeless night, visit the areas of our city most affected by homelessness and get 'our hands dirty' spending time with the residents, sleeping in the shelter and making and sharing breakfast. My ten year old and I were the only people who showed up. I am so glad we went, we learned so much about what is available and made a few friends too. I have to say that I really didn't know what to expect. Having heard many negative things about the shelter; that it is a bunch of 'crack heads' and 'sex offenders', I have heard many comments about its negative impact it could have on a teenager needing to spend the night or longer. I will admit that I adopted this opinion as well, out of ignorance.
This place is a shelter. A safe place for a person with no where to go. A place of companionship and yes, there are drug addicts and people who have broken the law, and others who for one reason or another have found themselves homeless. They are people. We met a few people who's story will stay with us, people who we are proud to call 'friend', people who have overcome great obstacles and found themselves seeking shelter and recovery in this place.
The Harvest House has many services to offer. An overnight safe, clean shelter, a program where a person could live longer to get back on their feet, an addiction recovery house and a couple other "transition" houses to help people start a life. The people who work there seem genuine and compassionate, they are humble and caring. There is a sense of comradery of family.
My son and I will be going back to volunteer and to visit, show our support and companionship. I encourage anyone to visit. I especially challenge anyone working with people who may need help of this kind to take the time to visit. Knowledge is power. Together we are better.
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