I am a former volunteer for Immanuel Shelter which was housed on the Forgotten Mile in Rehoboth Beach.
Immanuel Shelter housed both men and women in one building partitioned off by a wall separating the women and men. Doors opened at 4 p.m., with snacks, coffee, tea, juice and water. The clients went through a process to be admitted and records were kept. The community came together to see that they had a hot meal every night and served it themselves. Clients were able to shower, have access to essentials soap, toothpaste, etc. a cot to sleep on, and breakfast in the morning.
I was blindsided when I received an email from Code Purple about a new training, calendar for sign ups, including overnight and called some volunteers to find out what was happening.
Of particular concern was that no men would be allowed at this site and would have to be sent to Georgetown or Bethany. I was concerned that a client of the shelter was disabled and was in a wheelchair. I called to ask where he was to go, and at 5 p.m., on Tuesday was told to “have him at Bethany at 6 p.m.”
My concern is first, how is he going to get to Bethany, and secondly how are the rest of the men going to get a hot meal and shelter for the night when they have no transportation? Last year, we had one client walk to Rehoboth from Georgetown!
I am sure the many other volunteers who contributed meals, made soup (we had a wonderful soup lady) are also questioning this situation. Where is our compassion, prisoners in correctional institutes get three squares a day, animals at the SPCA are fed and taken care of. Why not our homeless men?
There are many success stories which came out of Immanuel Shelter: interviews for jobs, clothing for interviews, and life skills which included how to operate a checking account and the importance of saving money. Not all homeless clients are drug addicts or alcoholics. Many are victims of abuse, disabled at a young age, or suffering from abusive parents. Many have just made bad choices and are attempting to get their lives in order. Immanuel gave them that choice.
As a result of this change, I called my representative Pete Schwartzkopf and spoke to his aid who is working with me to see why this is happening. They deserve a place to stay, a hot meal, and a shower. I hope this clears up some of the confusion and to get the community thinking of how we can speak out for those who cannot.
These men are not going to leave this area to be bused to another shelter, when buses are not even available yet. They are going to continue to walk around in the cold weather, rain, and wind. Is this the way we want them treated? I, for one, certainly am appalled that this is happening and think they deserve better.
Code Purple is run by Love INC which is a ministry originated in Wilmington. I am happy we have more shelters in Sussex County, but I was able to know these people through my years of volunteering and these men deserve better.
Cherry Barranco
Lewes
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