“There is no need that is outside the concern of the Society.” Or its members. This statement on our website (www.stvincentup.org) tells the public that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is ready, willing and able to respond to people needing help.
One such need became apparent to Helen McCormick, a member of St. Michael’s Conference in Marquette and a weekly volunteer in the assistance office. She was confronted with the issue of homelessness in February 2007, when a man came to the office requesting food, a pot and a spoon. His dejected demeanor gave a hint of the dire circumstances he was in but he didn’t volunteer additional information. It wasn’t until Helen inquired if he was registered for the food pantry that she found out he didn’t have an address – he was camping out south of town. Noticing that he didn’t have gloves or a hat, she offered him both and he left carrying the food and utensils.
Afterwards, Helen was filled with regret that she hadn’t offered him shelter. The thought of this man camping out in the bitter winter weather brought her to tears and to action. She contacted local agencies to find out what types of shelter are available for homeless people and was disheartened to find there aren’t any emergency shelters in Marquette.
Helen spoke with her daughter, who lives downstate in Macomb County, about the situation and learned that Macomb County deals with homeless people by utilizing the Macomb County Rotating Shelter Team. The concept involves churches and organizations providing shelter on a rotating basis to homeless individuals or families. The various churches and organizations host the shelter for a week at a time and offer a place to sleep, wash up and receive a warm dinner and breakfast.
Since then, Helen has spoken with individuals, various churches, local government officials and other social service agencies about creating a rotating shelter in Marquette. Church and organization members would operate the shelter and possibly provide food, bedding and personal hygiene items. Several Catholic churches are willing to participate in the program and she is confident that others will join also. Catholic Charities has offered to train the individuals who would volunteer at the shelter so they are prepared for any unusual situations that could arise.
One Vincentian’s concern for a homeless man needing shelter has led to an ongoing, heartfelt mission to ease the burden of the invisible poor living on the streets and in the woods in the Marquette area.
The Room at the Inn ran successfully from November 2007 through April 2008. Helen and others involved with the operation are currently seeking additional community support through the addition of volunteers and other churches willing to be shelter sites for one week at a time.
Room at the Inn homeless shelter will begin operating again in early November. If you have any questions, call the Marquette SVdP Financial Aid office at 906-226-3840, Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.