By T.J. Piccolo, Manager of Hospitality
It can be tough to find joy anywhere, let alone in a homeless shelter. In my humble experience working at Room In The Inn, I have noticed that during the holiday season, and Advent in particular, participants can feel a compounded weight of the loss they have experienced: loss of loved ones, loss of connection to loved ones, loss of income, loss of housing, loss of good health, loss of identity. Where is the joy in that?
There is a participant we often have to call an ambulance for, unfortunately. As we wait for the ambulance to arrive, a second participant always waits with us. The two of them converse about what concerns they should bring up to the doctor this time. When the EMTs come, the second participant will be sure to get the name of the hospital the first participant is going to. The second participant is always slowly shaking her head when the ambulance drives away, always a little worried for her friend.
I asked them one day how long they had known each other and if they were friends. "Yes! Yes! We're friends!" They laughed enthusiastically. One smiled and said, "I think we've been friends 7 years? Maybe 8 years." The other added, "And I hope we'll be friends for many years to come."
The good news is that joy can be restored through the relationships that are formed at RITI and the encouragement that can come from them. These relationships take shape through services, recovery classes, Bible studies, a cup of coffee at the café, a meal shared at lunch, or even Friday karaoke. When the days are good, these relationships bring joy and celebration. When the days are tough, these relationships offer support and perseverance. When the days are mundane, these relationships provide normalcy and stability.
It may not seem like much, but having someone to turn to when it is good, bad, or indifferent, there is a profound joy in that.
