As I write this, I am in a room at the local homeless shelter. I am not a client. However, I spend several hours weekly teaching four classes, eating meals with them, and generally hanging out.I asked a few homeless clients what it feels like to have no home to go to for the holidays. A mother of three told me, "If it wasn't for this shelter, we would be in my car or on the streets this Christmas, which is no place for my little ones."
Another woman chimed in: "My husband divorced me and now these (shelter) people are my family, even for the short time we are here."
A contrasting comment came from a young man: "I'm a felon, and I'm upset because can't go the 90 miles to see my family. Because of my parole, I can't go more than 50 miles away." One of my joys is to see the glistening eyes of the children, as the tree goes up and the brightly colored lights are turned on. The excitement builds as gifts are added. It is also fun to see the kids dive into the meals, which are provided by contributions. After supper, they run into the playroom to watch the 26th showing of Shrek.
Yes, the shelter is a happy home to be in when you don't have one of your own.
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