Support sought for Immanuel Shelter

I am writing on behalf of Immanuel Homeless Shelter, which is different from Troop 7 on Route 1.  I am writing as a volunteer who cooks for the shelter.  

This year, Immanuel, after losing the space they have occupied for a number of years, has found a way to provide wonderful accommodations to 40 or so people, including numbers of families.  This is especially remarkable because the Lewes Rehoboth Association of Churches board financial support has been given to Troop 7, which accommodates far fewer people and is only open, as part of Code Purple, when the temperature hits 32 or below.  Moreover, Troop 7 will only be open this year, as there are other plans for the space next year.  This year, Immanuel has relied on the support of private donations, and it plans to continue to serve the homeless population as it has now for numbers of years, but it desperately needs financial support.

I think all of us sometimes carry a stereotype of homelessness.  Maybe we think they are just a bunch of people trying to live off others; maybe we fear those who are mentally ill or criminals; maybe we think most of the homeless are strung out on drugs or alcohol; maybe we don’t see them and so they don’t concern us; maybe we don’t want to look into the face of the poverty and desperation that is right here where we live in relative, if not great, comfort.  

Whatever we may think, these people are human beings, struggling in their own ways just to survive. The fact is that most of the people at Immanuel are working; there are some on disability, be it for physical or mental or emotional reasons.  

If they abuse the rules set by the shelter, which include no drugs or alcohol, no theft, smoking only outside, and taking care of their “home,” they are asked to leave. Some of the people have cars so they can drive to work.  If it weren’t for the shelter, they would be living out of their cars. All are faced with choices most of us can’t imagine. 

Nevertheless, under the firm and compassionate management of Toni Short, the people I have served have formed a kind of community.  They have meetings; they know and look out after each other.  If someone hears of a job, he or she shares the information with the others.  They are taking care of their spaces.  They are so polite, so appreciative. 

And the children, little ones to young teens.  Yesterday I watched a little girl who’d asked for a bit of extra grapes give them to her littler brother.  Several of the people help out during the dinner meal.  I imagine many of us have been served or helped by them in various places we frequent.

I do not understand the withdrawal of financial support from Immanuel. This is a truly exceptional organization doing generous work with a sense of organization and empathy.  I respectfully ask that the churches reactivate their financial contribution, donating some this year to see the shelter through the season and returning to their original financial donation or greater for next year. 

I am curious what programs the Community Resource Center in Rehoboth provides the homeless during the day other than a space.  

And I encourage our community to donate time, food, and/or money to the shelter and seek ways to fundraise for it.  At a time when there is so much fear, distrust and anger permeating our society, I am moved to see such compassion and care for those less fortunate than I.

Sara Ford
Lewes