Tonight I’m writing while I’m visiting the Men’s Shelter. It’s almost 9 PM. Bed signup has just been completed for the night. Men are taking showers and getting settled down for the 10 o’clock lights-out curfew. The humidity was intense in the shelter just like it is outside when I first came in. Many men have spoken to me pleasantly and respectfully. Several have expressed a hearty “thanks” for getting to stay at Crossroads because they didn’t know where they’d be if they couldn’t stay here. Most are smiling but some look worried. Many look tired and worn out from the heat or from working. Many of the men are completing chores. Trash is being taken out; the floors are being mopped and waxed.
One gentleman told me he has a job to go to tomorrow. He feels grateful because jobs are scarce in Yuma in the summer. Another man told me that he spoke to his family on an out pass and felt so good about getting to be involved with them once again as he continues in the recovery program. Another man asked me for an Algebra book so he could practice for his GED. I tried telling him about the education assistance available at the Vocational Career Center when another client began enthusiastically telling him about the educational services we offer. One man asked for a towel but we were out of them. The house manager told another guest where to get in the ones that are stashed away for instances such as this.
Some man and woman brought in several bags of popcorn and the shelter case manager is handing it out. The men are really thrilled over the popcorn. Another guest just came in from the kitchen. He had been re-filling the water cooler with ice and water. We try to keep it full in the foyer so that we have no one getting dehydrated during this extreme heat and humidity. We often run out of ice because the ice machine is more than 12 years old. I think it spends more time down than up. (We are currently looking for a good used ice machine or a donor who could help us with a new one.) Ice is a commodity that’s hard to do without whether it’s summer or winter.
Tonight, in the midst of the need and poverty, there’s a peace here. This kind of peace only comes from God. This kind of peace comes when needs are being met. Needs are being met through the food, clothing and shelter that is provided by the kind donors who support Crossroads. Tonight, I am reminded of how much I appreciate my job and how far God’s mercy extends. I love being in a ministry that helps people change their lives.
Tonight I’m saddened to know that the dorm is completely full and we have 36 men sleeping on the floor in the chapel. That’s nearly 80 men that don’t have a place to sleep tonight except at this emergency shelter. We have never had men sleeping on the floor during the summer time until last summer. What changed? Is it the weather? Is it the economy? Is the word about the emergency shelter services getting out there? It’s probably some of all of those. On the other hand, I’m happy to know that there are kind people who believe in what we do here at Crossroads and support us with prayers, monetary donations, and in-kinds donations.
Last night I didn’t sleep well. I worried about the Mission’s electric bill, gas bill, and all those other bills. I worried about the heat and keeping the folks hydrated and out of the elements. I certainly wasn’t relying on the SOURCE! Tonight, I know that I’ll sleep better. God’s in charge—Myra’s not! Sometimes I forget that!
