Newsletter: November 2023
Dear Friends of Joseph House:
Twenty-five years ago, we renovated and expanded the Joseph House Crisis Center. One of the main additions was the Hospitality Room, which is a day shelter for men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. It is often a busy place. Here is a report about this ministry from Sr. Virginia, who has been working in the Hospitality Room for several years:
The Hospitality Room for the Homeless at the Joseph House provides meals and showers for visitors five mornings a week. We open at 8 a.m. and offer a very brief message of hope and encouragement from a Christian daily devotional. Then we invite everyone to pray the “Our Father” together.
We average about 30 people a day, mostly men. Most of them are regulars, and a few have been coming for years.
Breakfast is cereal, oatmeal, toast, Ramen noodle soups, and sometimes extras like breakfast sandwiches, waffles and hardboiled eggs. Our homeless visitors can sign up for showers and we will launder a change of clothing for them. We also provide clothing and toiletries, jackets and raincoats and shoes. (Much is donated, but we regularly buy body wash, deodorant, razors, underwear and socks.) For lunch, we often serve a casserole or some other hot meal, or we give them bag lunches to go. We close at 12:30 p.m.
Bob Harrison (name has been changed) came to the Hospitality Room nine years ago. He kept to himself, sitting quietly at a table in the corner, usually reading a book. Bob spoke to us about his impressions that first day:
“When I first came to Salisbury, I had no idea what was going on. I was on the streets for a couple of days. The guys on the streets introduced me to the Hospitality room, the Little Sisters. When I first walked into Hospitality, I was just dumbfounded. Lo and behold, I could get a meal, daytime TV, a bath, change of clothing and a lunch. I was skeptical. I thought, it’s just not real.
“It’s just amazing what you do. You got love for us, you don’t care how hot it is, how cold, you put the homeless first. You don’t get that treatment from most other places, not the police officers, no one. It was just like it was home. The guys were going to the refrigerator, asking for this and that.
“You guys are the first that I have ever seen that offer love, respect, ears to listen, help for words, understanding. Baths! I am so, so glad that I got to know the ladies, the Little Sisters and the Hospitality. I am so glad because I would have been on the streets to this day.”
Right away Bob seemed like a good candidate for the Joseph House Workshop residential program for men who want to make a new start. We described the program to him, and he was immediately interested. His eyes widened when he learned that it was across the parking lot. Bob explained:
“At first I just was reading my books, staying by myself. But as Sister Virginia talked with me, she asked me if I wanted more, and told me that the Workshop was right there on the property! I walked half-way, started to turn back, and then turned around again and walked into the Workshop building. It was almost full, but I got a bed right away. We had classes, creative art, Bible study.
“And my real name came back: Mr. Harrison. On the streets I was called ‘This Old Boy’ or ‘That Old Boy.’ I stole, did drugs. That Old Boy. The Workshop staff were respectful, everybody was ‘Mister’ — ‘Mr. Harrison, it’s your day to cook, your day to do the dishes. Mr. Harrison, you are going to church today.’ My real name came back, and from that day to this, no one calls me ‘This Old Boy’ anymore.”
Bob was a wonderful Workshop resident. He was always ready to help, always ready to go the extra mile for the staff, the residents, and people he met in the parking lot! He even cultivated, planted and tended a large flower garden in the Workshop yard.
After the initial three months of study and learning to live and work together in the Workshop, Bob got a job with Habitat For Humanity. He continued to work there for several years after he left the Workshop. Unfortunately, he suffered two heart attacks and had to stop working. It was very hard on him, because he loves to work! He now receives disability but he continues to do more work than he should do. He is married and lives with his wife in a nice home with a wonderful yard and garden.
Bob had been reluctant to leave the Joseph House Workshop when his two years were up:
“When it was time to get ready to go, I said to myself, I am going to fight this. Now that I have love and a new family [here], why should I go? The Workshop changed my life.”
He often comes back to visit. When he arrives at the door, he calls out, “Honey, I’m home!”
We are happy to share with you Bob’s story. We hope it gives you a better understating of the impact the Joseph House makes, thanks to your support. With hearts ever so grateful, we wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
Your Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary
We pray for our friends and benefactors every day. Please send us your special intentions so we can lift them up to to the Lord: Contact Form
When you give just a little you make a big difference to a family in need. Our assistance to people experiencing homelessness and other critical situations depends on you: Donate
You can spread joy this holiday season by contributing to our Thanksgiving and Christmas programs. Deadlines and toy suggestions are here: Holiday Giving
Did you see this blog post? 25 Years Ago We Built the Hospitality Room
Our Soup Kitchen has reopened. Visit our website for all the latest news.
