We are officially open for business at the Phinney Ridge Winter Men’s Shelter. This begins our 5^th year of service. There is a lot of “good to see you again” talk going on, and some “glad I’m not seeing you again” talk. It’s not because we don’t like some people, but because some of the men find a better place to live, and we’re glad for that. Living in a big room with twenty other men takes some getting used to. Oh, sure, the beds are nice and warm and clean and dry. And the food is always good. But still, it’s a room full of twenty men. There are adjustments and compromises to be made to keep the peace. My basic opinion is that it is not good for people to live alone. Aloneness is at the heart of the present homelessness crisis we hear about and see every day in Seattle and the world. We provide 20 beds for those who need them. It is what we have been asked to do. But that is only a part of the help. As one college professor put it (S.U. I think) “it is the lack of personal involvement which is the real road block in making a difference with the homeless.” I am very thankful for the eager volunteer involvement this year at the Shelter. We are making a good start in providing a place where a person can come and feel comfortable talking about God, National Geographic, heroin, sports, or Gilligan’s Island (which, ironically, is a story about 8 homeless people.) It’s a place where a person can feel not alone. Or a man can just get some sleep. I think I feel a nap coming on now.

The Shelter was at 17 as of Sunday night. Twenty is full, but maybe we could get another bed or two in since we found a good home for that grand piano in the corner. I think the Union Gospel Mission still has staffing needs for the overnight positions at their shelters. Please see their website for details.

That’s the news from The Men’s Shelter, on Phinney Ridge.

Ben Paul