Our time on the street started out with some rather dreary weather, the grayness turned to darkness and the cool, wet air was made more noticeable with the gusts of wind. Although the weather was less than desirable from our viewpoint, there was still laughter and smiles to warm hearts – both ours and those we serve. Volunteers this evening included Pastor Mike, Barb, Sam, Michelle, and Mariah.
When we arrived at the parking lot, we learned that one of our regular visitors had called Pastor Mike from Chippewa Falls, WI and requested assistance to avoid interacting with a significant other with abusive tendencies. At the time the woman called, we were preparing to be on the street for the evening and were unsure the best plan to reach her. We are fortunate to have established a relationship with Becky, a coordinator working with the homeless in Chippewa Falls, and a call was made to her to see if she was available to help. Thankfully, Becky provided the assistance needed picked the woman up. The following information is a summary of what the woman shared:
The woman took a bus as far out in Eau Claire as possible and then walked the remainder of the distance to Chippewa in order to be at a required appointment. The discussion she had with the staff about her current situation at the agency overwhelmed her and she felt unsafe returning to Eau Claire due to her partner and his abusive history. She was exhausted as well, she reported having walked the Eau Claire streets all night to avoid staying in the shelter with the man, and she was hungry. Becky took the woman to get food and arranged shelter for the woman for a night and they would meet the next morning to discuss a plan.
This same woman had called Pastor Mike at 4:30 A.M. on Saturday asking for help. When he arrived, she disappeared without explanation, never getting the assistance she had requested. The next time we heard from her she was in Chippewa Falls. We are proud of her for being brave to stay out of a dangerous situation and for asking for help.
We served approximately 25 people, when the weather is rainy we often don’t see as many people. Perhaps they wait to enter the shelter when there isn’t a line of people and we have left. Or maybe they’ve found alternate shelter for the night. Either way, I always hope they’re safe.
Please consider looking at the needs list that will be sent with this journal and help us serve those in need. Blessings to all!
‘Til next week ~
Karen
When we arrived at the parking lot, we learned that one of our regular visitors had called Pastor Mike from Chippewa Falls, WI and requested assistance to avoid interacting with a significant other with abusive tendencies. At the time the woman called, we were preparing to be on the street for the evening and were unsure the best plan to reach her. We are fortunate to have established a relationship with Becky, a coordinator working with the homeless in Chippewa Falls, and a call was made to her to see if she was available to help. Thankfully, Becky provided the assistance needed picked the woman up. The following information is a summary of what the woman shared:
The woman took a bus as far out in Eau Claire as possible and then walked the remainder of the distance to Chippewa in order to be at a required appointment. The discussion she had with the staff about her current situation at the agency overwhelmed her and she felt unsafe returning to Eau Claire due to her partner and his abusive history. She was exhausted as well, she reported having walked the Eau Claire streets all night to avoid staying in the shelter with the man, and she was hungry. Becky took the woman to get food and arranged shelter for the woman for a night and they would meet the next morning to discuss a plan.
This same woman had called Pastor Mike at 4:30 A.M. on Saturday asking for help. When he arrived, she disappeared without explanation, never getting the assistance she had requested. The next time we heard from her she was in Chippewa Falls. We are proud of her for being brave to stay out of a dangerous situation and for asking for help.
We served approximately 25 people, when the weather is rainy we often don’t see as many people. Perhaps they wait to enter the shelter when there isn’t a line of people and we have left. Or maybe they’ve found alternate shelter for the night. Either way, I always hope they’re safe.
Please consider looking at the needs list that will be sent with this journal and help us serve those in need. Blessings to all!
‘Til next week ~
Karen