Visiting the Shelter Was an Eye Opening Experience
By Scott Biedermann (San Joaquin County Office of Education), Jennifer Scott (Herum, Crabtree & Brown) and Ken Crosby (Boys and Girls Club of Stockton).
This was not just another typical day for those of us in the Leadership Stockton Program. We visited the Stockton Homeless Shelter. Before stepping foot on the premises we had a preconceived idea of what it would be like. It was such an eye opening experience! For starters we were greeted by staff and guests with big huge smiles! Everyone we met was so very happy to be there at the Shelter. Most of the clientele told us that this was not the low point in their lives but since they have been at the shelter, life has improved. For some the shelter has provided job assistance and one gentleman received a set of new interview clothes so he could look professional for a job interview. And for others the shelter has provided access to much needed medical and dental services. But for all, the Shelter has provided hope!
Much to our surprise, we encountered not the type of people one would imagine as homeless – the clientele were regular people like you and I who have hit hard times. A quote we heard quite often “just about everyone you know is a paycheck or two away from ending up in a shelter.” That statement is a harsh reality of these economic times. However, it is comforting to know that there are places like the Stockton Homeless Shelter for people in their time of need because you never know when you, or your family or friends may need these services.
Upon visiting the family shelter we expected to see a large cold room filled with rows and rows of beds instead we were shocked to see private rooms with locked doors for each family to enjoy their own privacy. The family shelter even had a nice multi-purpose room with refrigerators for the families to store their perishables and games for the kids to play. If you go outside you can find a nice large yard with a playground for the kids to enjoy. This facility was quite impressive. But like most facilities, walls and doors alone do not compromise the facility.
What makes this shelter special are those who have devoted their lives to working here. All the staff was so friendly and helpful and most importantly caring. All the clients that we interviewed commented upon the staff and how they treated them with dignity and made them feel as though they truly care about them and their well being! Known by his clients as Big John, John Reynolds, the executive director, knew each and every client and their story. In fact one client said, “Big John he’s the man that makes things happen.”