winter 2005

Dear Friends;

Last night was one of the coldest nights of the year.  Temperatures dipped into the teens with a wind chill into the negative numbers.  It is 4:30 in the morning and I can’t sleep. I am not sure why.  I am in the warm comfort of my own home, tired from holiday shopping with my husband.  We stood in line for hours for those coveted “most popular” gifts for our children.  We all enjoyed a great meal together.  My family is healthy and happy; my home is warm and comforting.  It all sounds so good, but why am I still not sleeping? 

Is it because I know there are homeless people who slept on the streets last night, who did not have all the comforts I have?  Because there are homeless mothers and fathers worried about how they will provide a happy holiday for their children.  Because there is an elderly handicapped man who is homeless and having to struggle between shelters each day.  Is it because homeless people are staying in shelters longer than ever before?   Or is it because The Other Place is seeing record numbers of homeless people entering shelter?

I ask these questions like I don’t know the answers.  I know why I don’t sleep well when the weather gets cold and the holiday season is quickly approaching, I can’t stop thinking about homelessness.  You see after 10 years working at The Other Place, homelessness is also part of my life. 

 I am comforted by knowing that homelessness is also part of your life because with your help The Other Place provides a warm comforting place for homeless people everyday of the year.  With your help we make sure homeless children are provided with a wonderful holiday experience each year.  With your help we provide shelter and case management to men, women and families until they are no longer homeless.  With your help The Other Place works harder to achieve its vision of “A community where there is no homelessness.” 

 It is early in the morning now and The Other Place will be opening soon, and today I anticipate there will be around 250 homeless men, women and children entering the shelter.  Don’t worry about me not getting any sleep; I will catch up on it later.  As you enjoy this holiday season with friends and family in the comforts of your home I ask that you, along with me, remember The Other Place and the homeless men, women and families we serve!

Respectfully,
Tina M. Patterson
Tina M. Patterson
Executive Director

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