Cynthia Warren said she likes to talk.
And when she’s passionate about something, she really likes to talk.
She’s doing a lot of talking these days about Servants of Shelter.
Warren serves as the volunteer case manager for the local homeless advocacy group and is proud of how far the organization has come since forming in 2009.
“It’s so rewarding when we can help people out of a tough situation and into a better one,” she said.
A couple that reached out to the SOS organization this summer comes to mind. Warren said they were living in a tent and the woman was just weeks away from giving birth to twins.
“Now, they’re in their own home,” Warren said. “The husband has a job...they’re doing great.”
It’s an example of a success story, SOS board member Pat Bjorum said.
“We helped someone get from a yard to their own home,” she said. “They stayed with us long enough to get jobs, get on their feet and have an address. It’s so important having an address.”
Not everyone who seeks out the group’s help is successful, but volunteers said they know they’re making a difference in people’s lives.
“We’re here to guide people and help them get on their feet,” Warren said. “We’re proud of people who come out more successful and happier.”
When clients reach out to Servants of Shelter, there is an intake process performed and expectations explained. While individuals or families are living in the provided apartment, they are not allowed to have guests; cannot smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs; must be looking for work; and must check in with an SOS volunteer on a regular basis as an avenue to offer guidance.
For this couple, Warren said SOS took a chance.
“They had a very troublesome past,” she said. “We decided to give them a chance... We have strict rules people need to adhere to... But other places had turned them down.”
Bjorum explained the rules are in place to allow people a chance to build a new life. In addition, SOS is responsible for the apartment unit and how it is used.
“We’re responsible to the landlord,” she said.
Self sufficient
Servants of Shelter operates on its own and is not funded by county dollars. While it is supported by various donations, grants and other organizations, it has a limited budget with which to operate.
“Our goal has always been to help people on our own terms,” Bjorum said. “We work closely with other agencies and we appreciate them and the help they provide.”
The organization currently houses people in need in a two-bedroom apartment at the Rob Ross Apartments on Shorewood Drive.
“It’s our most luxurious site ever,” Bjorum said. “It has a secure entrance and that’s why that is such a step forward for us.”
In addition to a newer site, SOS also has an office — something it has worked to offer since it formed.
“It’s super important,” Warren said. “We now have a place where everybody involved with Servants of Shelter knows where to come.”
Previously, SOS worked out of various places including KOOTASCA and St. Thomas, making organization more of a challenge.
Now, clients benefit from the location by knowing how to reach volunteers.
The office, located in room 212 at Backus Community Center, is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 3 p.m. Volunteers are hopeful, however, to extend those hours in the future. For now, they say the amount of time the office is staffed meets the need.
To showcase the office to the community and educate people about Servants of Shelter, an open house is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 in the office.
Bjorum said it may seem “silly” to host an open house for a shelter, but getting the organization’s message out is important.
“Stop and see our office, learn what we’re about, ask questions, have a cookie and just visit,” she said.
Staying invisible
Many people in Borderland aren’t aware there are homeless people in the community and raising awareness is important for the group.
“There are more people living without anything and don’t have a permanent roof over their head than people can imagine,” Warren said. “There are people who have just had a bad draw on life... They’re no different, they just need some help... We all deserve dignities and a roof over our head.”
Bjorum said SOS works closely with other agencies in the community and encouraged people in need of service to reach out to an agency they’re familiar with to get help in other areas.
“A lot of times, people just don’t know where to start,” she said.
Warren added referrals start somewhere.
“Just ask,” she said. “Sometimes it starts with just asking a question... It’s what we’re here for.”
