Update from the Executive Director
Reflecting on my ten years at the Friendship Home, I've come to realize that my interactions with our other facilities were somewhat limited. Stepping into this new role as Executive Director opened my eyes to the immediate concerns and worries that members of our community expressed. Witnessing our overnight shelter residents crammed into a small space, relying on a porta-john for basic necessities, deeply moved me. The thought of them enduring such conditions, especially during freezing temperatures, was unbearable. It became clear to me that we could do better.
Driven by compassion and a belief that all individuals deserve access to shelter and housing, I was determined to align our organization with its mission of caring for the unsheltered in our community. It's what we're here for, after all. But I knew deep down that we could do better. I embarked on a mission to implement essential changes, drawing upon one of my favorite things to do—build!
With the support of our partners at SAMHSA, we secured funding to revitalize our overnight shelter into a space that embodies safety, cleanliness, and humanity. The addition of two handicapped-accessible bathrooms, 30 extra beds, laundry facilities, and office space for our dedicated case managers is set to begin construction this week.
A recent visit to the overnight location after school dismissal revealed the sight of unsheltered individuals on sidewalks and in neighbors' yards—places where children walked home. It served as a stark reminder that we can do better.
After spending several weeks interviewing, the unsheltered and understanding their struggles, I discovered an impactful solution. By allowing them to store their belongings and extending the hours at the overnight shelter, our case managers now have more opportunities to connect them with vital resources. Our unsheltered friends no longer find themselves lying on the sidewalks. Instead, they feel a sense of safety and trust in us, allowing them to entrust their belongings to our care so they can venture further. We've created a space where they can gather, offering a sense of community and respite. Additionally, we've installed picnic tables for them to sit and rest until the overnight shelter opens its doors. Many days, as we extend our hours at the overnight shelter, we find ourselves reflecting deeply on the notion of grace.
This endeavor isn't solely about appeasing our neighbors; it's about upholding our mission with love and integrity, a mission entrusted to us by our community. It's about treating every individual with dignity and respect, ensuring that no one feels forgotten or abandoned. As we continue to navigate this journey, let us do so with a commitment to compassion and inclusivity, honoring the humanity of each person we serve. I hope the McDowell community has noticed a positive change, as we're only at the beginning of our journey of renewal for Mission Ministries Alliance.
Crystal Sweatt, Executive Director
