Jeane showed up while I was talking with Michelle to inform her that the bed lottery would be delayed until 2:30. She was very young, always smiling, around 20 years old, with a kind and peaceful voice. Michelle gave very positive comments about Jeane.

I took this opportunity to ask Jeane if I could speak with the shelter operator and what I could do for the shelter as a volunteer. Jeane said I needed to talk with the shelter manager, who was in a meeting, but she offered to leave a message for me.

Fortunately, Emily, the operator manager, finished her meeting shortly after, while I was still talking with Mike and Michelle. Emily showed me inside. There was a large dining hall just inside the entrance. Since it was only about 2:30, there were few people in the dining hall. One teenager was writing at a table, and two other tables had people sitting at them. There were some bedrooms on the left wing of the building, and a staff member was cleaning. Everything looked clean, not as bad as Matthew described last week. However, I hadn’t checked the shower/toilet area yet, so maybe the worst was yet to be seen.

Emily introduced me to the kitchen in the back corner of the building, explaining that the shelter offers three meals for the guests. All the food comes from donations by individuals or churches. I asked her how I could help, mentioning that I had some tents and sleeping bags. Emily told me that the MA government does not allow them to offer tents to the homeless, but sleeping bags were useful. They can help the shelter if there aren’t enough beds, and they can also be given to homeless people who are reluctant to stay at the shelter.

Emily said she had to go out soon with her colleagues and doctors to visit some homeless people in the woods, offering them medicine, food, and other supplies. I was a bit excited and asked, “Can I visit the homeless with your team?” She replied, “No, you can’t for safety reasons. Some of the homeless could be drug users or drunk. You have to apply by calling First Step or on the website and get a permit from your guardians.” Emily gave me her work mobile number.

I have some sleeping bags and will ask my parents to donate more for the homeless.