I still have the best job in the world, but it is not so enjoyable these days. This pandemic has caused us to:
- Close --- which was very, very hard for all of us. Staying home, knowing people needed things was excruciating.
- Open to distribute hygiene, food and diapers from the doors. At least we felt we were helping.
- Open to limited full shopping, which is where we are now. Only four clients in the building at a time, one person per family (no children), masks and social distancing, 15 minutes to shop. Not ideal at all!
Anyone who has ever been to Hope
House during “normal” times would not recognize it right now. No coffee, no
cookies, no movies and toys for kids to play with (no kids! L ). We are not comfortable
offering the restrooms yet, either, so they are not available. Hope House has
always been a community gathering space for those in need, and the needs are
not just physical “Stuff”. The friendship and comradery, the listening ear and
hugs of comfort, the sharing of information, resources and, yes, recipes with
each other.
I have always loved the sound of
a full house, with laughter, kids giggling and a Disney movies going in the
kids’ corner. The opportunity to not only admire a new baby, but to hold and
cuddle that precious angel is the best perk of my job!
Those of our regular clients who
struggle with mental health issues often get comfort, hugs and acceptance here.
Recently, in this new version of service, one of our long time clients appeared
in full bipolar manic mood, tempered with deeply felt depressed gaps. I have
always been able to calm her, offer her hugs and send her on to her therapist
for services. This time I could only watch helplessly without the ability to
hug her, talk quietly to her in a private place and hope to make a difference
in her day. Thankfully, I have seen her since, and she made it through.
We need to pray so hard for
healing from this pandemic! People are hurting all over, and being a low income
person/family only makes it worse. I am so looking forward to the day we can
throw open the doors and welcome our “family” home again!
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