5 a.m. Tuesday. The early morning crew wakes and slowly drifts toward the community gathering center. Coffee is brewed by the gallon on this chilly September morning. Gaye, Ed and Bob are chattering, wondering what the new day will bring. “Hush” someone says, ‘We have five guests sleeping in here, keep it to a dull roar will you”
Our five have arrived at the gate asking for respite and safety off the streets. One reports he was robbed at knife point.
They come to us alone, in pairs, as families, some with pets, all asking the same question, “Can we stay?”
As the light of the new day invites itself in the windows, more Villagers trudge through the door, wet from the rain, “Coffee?” they ask, ‘what are we working on today?”
Our guests awake one by one, some jump right in, talking, asking questions about life at the Village. Others seem stunned to silence as they look around. “Welcome to morning in a busy community” we say.
At 8 a.m., Shorty’s security shift is over. Bob is on next; we have security 24 hours a day. Most shifts are uneventful, when security says “I’m bored,” it means all’s well in the Village.
Nearly everyone is up now, many have left for work, those still here are preparing for the days work here.
One of the guests asks, “What do I do now?”
“We’ll need to bring you to the intake committee meeting at 10 a.m. to see if we can meet your needs,” says Tom.
By noon, Tents & Population have made space available for four of the guests, the fifth will stay 48 hours and then make other arrangements.
All of our guest spaces are full now, so the building committee gathers tools and materials.
Seven people, nine 2x6s, four sheets of plywood, one 4x4 and three hours later, we have built a new deck.
Next week if our guests decide they can work in our community, two of them may be moved onto the deck, each with their own tent. We will then have guest space available for the next person who needs a home and community support while they get back on their feet.
Winter’s coming. The cold and rain have begun; we’ll be seeing many at our gates very soon. We hope we can help them all.
Tim is giving a tour of the Village to a city council member from Chico, Calif. The councilman saw our website, dignityvillage.org, and decided to stop by while he was vacationing. He is very interested the democratic, self-help, community-based model that we have created for ourselves, and says he will forward information about Dignity Village to his city.
At 4:30 p.m., Sheri is calling everyone to the community meal, made with donated vegetables and canned food. She has created a 4-star meal on a $1 budget.
Chelle and Ross install seven new smoke alarms in houses and on decks. If an alarm sounds, we check to see if it’s a false alarm. In December 2003, it wasn’t. We now have a protocol and everyone has a job to do to ensure the safety of the Village in the event of a fire.
The Village Membership meeting is at 6 p.m.: Everyone is required to attend. In this forum we present any issue we wish to implement or change, we also elect new members and councilors. On tonight’s agenda, a major change in our Donations Department. Two weeks ago a committee of 10 was formed to make recommendations to improve the department. It took five hours to brainstorm problems and solutions. The Membership voted to accept the recommendations after making a few of their own and agree to test the new policy for 60 days.
Susan presents the Village with 16 new solar-powered path lights. We only have one security light for the entire village, so this gesture will definitely light up our lives.
Ed, our Security Coordinator, informs us of improvements in his department and after much discussion, the meeting adjourns at nearly 8 p.m.
“Does anyone have a new movie to show?” asks Ken.
“I do!” reports Roe.
The Villagers settle down for some well-earned relaxation and entertainment after a long and productive day. By 10 p.m., the movie is over and everyone is tired. Someone asks our guests if they need anything from Donations. One needs a blanket, another needs a toothbrush and toothpaste. By 11 p.m., everyone is headed to the places they call home. Tomorrow may bring new faces and new projects to complete our community.
We’ll try to be ready.