Second Day at the Shelter in Philadelphia

Dear St. Anne's Readers:

Today, we had our second day at the Stenton Family Manor, a home currently sheltering over forty families (with the ability to shelter one hundred).

Ms. Tami Hall, a staff member of Stenton Family Manor, described the situation in which these children find themselves. Imagine losing your personal belongings and confining you and your family - often more than one child - to a small room made for the temporary accommodation of two adults. The average family stays nine to twelve months. Transitions are often sudden and occur with little notice. Food is confined to three, timed, one-serving meals.

These transitions take their toll on the energy and coping abilities of the children (and adults, too). Often, the only way children know to solve problems is what is demonstrated to them by their tired and stressed parents. This manifests itself in bullying.

Today was more difficult than Monday. Today was the day we witnessed first hand the stressful lifestyle of families in the home. Children attempted to solve small problems by hitting.

We did have lots of fun with the children, today. Activities ranged from piggy-

back rides, bowling, Twister, and arts and crafts.

Observations and Personal Reflections:

Scott:

Today, as I was walking toward Ms. Tami Hall's office, one of the residents came in. She had clearly been crying immensely. The tears looked like happy tears. Ms. Hall stopped her and asked what was the matter. The lady held up a key and, in a faint voice, muttered, "This is my house. I own a house." The speaking was followed by clapping and cheering. Ms. Hall made an announcement: "Congratulations to Ms. Jones, a proud house owner. When you see her in the halls be sure to say 'good job' and pat her on the back. That is all." When I saw this exchange in made me realize there is always a light at the end of the tunnel no matter how dark or faint that light may be.

Thomas (YPI Intern, Chaperone):

On Monday, I played basketball with a boy, Jeron. His father had been in and out of the shelter all day (he was father also to another girl in the shelter). He walked on to the basketball court. "Finally, I got the papers. You're with me for good," he exclaimed. It was a moment filled with joy for both. It was a humbling experience that the father allowed me to share.

The shelter was a better home for the children than the 'other [whatever it may have been] option.' This shelter - with more than three people to a room for two - was joy. Too, the father was proud of his children. Never in the interactions I witnessed did the father dampen his children's dreaming. Though these humans live under such difficult circumstances, I do not think it right to label them 'depraved.' They are indeed trying.