A homeless tent I walked by in Seattle. I saw many others that day.

Seattle has the third largest homeless population nationwide. I have also seen stats that the State of Washington is the worst state, overall. Most homeless people are near the heavily populated area along I-5 and in Spokane. I have walked by homeless tents in Seattle and driven by homeless people living in Spokane parks. I have observed the problem first hand. It weighs on me.

I saw a Facebook appeal from the local homeless shelter (in Port Angeles, about 17 miles west). They were looking for volunteers who could help during their “Blue Flag Days.” These are days when, due to horrible weather, the shelter stays open 24 hours a day (otherwise it closes every morning and reopens at night again). Regular volunteers cannot handle the extra workload that comes with being open and having residents 24 hours a day. The shelter needs extra help.

Last week we had serious storms that came over the peninsula with high winds. I figured the shelter would have Blue Flag Days, so I called to help out. By then, however, the power was knocked out by the winds and the phones were not working. I sent an email to the caseworker and hoped she would get it. She did not but called me on Monday to see if I could help with the massive cleanup effort after the 4 Blue Flag Days. “Sure, whatever you need!”

So I drove over and was asked to fold a mountain of sheets and pillowcases. I was not overjoyed although I tried not to show that. Even though the stuff was clean, I imagined it was all stained and maybe still a haven for vermin. Really? Handle shelter bedding?  I asked for gloves, though, and started in. I worked in a tiny room by myself and folded over 100 pillowcases and dozens of top sheets. I left the bottom sheets for a team of two to fold.

A pile of clean bedding

My mountain

A few of my pillowcases. They have a certain way of folding them so they fit in their cubbies

Cubbies for the clean bedding

A pile of pillows waiting for pillowcases.

It was not the best experience. Indeed, the sheets were not in great condition, but the worst part was being alone in a tiny room. I offered to help, though, and they really needed someone to fold all that bedding! Still, I have the heart of a minister, and I like to interact with people. So, before I left, I checked in and told her I would like to come back during the Blue Flag days. I know that the jobs then involve more interaction, so I am more hopeful for the next time. We seem to get series of big storms here so I should have plenty of other opportunities. 

Slightly angled photo of the shelter from the front. It is larger inside than it appears.

A corner of the dining room