Greetings from Hope House on a snowy Monday morning! Wasn’t
sure if we would be here today because our policy is to close if the Bellingham
Public schools close. This morning the word was they were opening late, so I answered
a couple of phone calls and emails from staff members in the affirmative and
headed in. Since I have a 4 wheel drive SUV, it wasn’t a too bad trip in, but
halfway here the radio informed me that the schools changed their mind and
decided to close! Now what? Our staff knows the policy, but I knew some of them
were also on their way, so I continued on.
Arriving to a snow filled parking lot, there was one client
already patiently waiting, who actually offered to sweep our front porch and
sidewalk. So I knew we had to make an effort to open! Incredibly, all of my
staff showed up, we swept our walks again, turned on the Christmas music,
filled the coffee pots and cookie basket and opened the door.
I truly did not expect many clients to brave the snow and
ice, but when you are in need, you do what you have to; and when you are
homeless, you appreciate being inside for a while! We stuffed their pockets
with baggies full of donuts and cookies, dug out warm blankets and coats and
just generally had a wonderful morning! The church reported we had many wrapped
gifts from our Angel Tree in the sacristy to collect, and halfway through the
morning, a wonderful gentleman arrived bearing gifts of bags of clean, folded,
sized blankets—truly a Godshot!
With warmth flowing, music
playing and people chatting, this turned into a wonderful and heartwarming Monday
at Hope House. Truly a good lead up to the birth of our Savior—love and
compassion flowing.
Hope House wishes you and yours a blessed and happy Christmas
season!
