Newsletter of the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless
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Autumn 2014
4 8 6 9 N o r t h B r o a d wa y, B o u l d e r, CO 8 0 3 0 4 • 3 0 3 - 4 4 2 - 4 6 4 6 • w w w. b o u l d e r s h e l t e r. o rg
The Shelter way:
MISSION AND VALUES
It’s not just what we do, it’s how we do it—together!
Your generosity enables us
to create a very special shelter for our residents,
a refuge free of at least some of the stress, isolation and loneliness
created by poverty, homelessness and life on the street.
That’s because there is an effort here to help people re-collect and
then maintain self-respect as they work toward self-sufficiency.
There is hope in the air, even if it’s sometimes mixed with stress.
We believe in the equality of all, cherishing diversity, and treating
each person we meet—client, volunteer, donor, staff—with the
same respect, dignity, and care.
It’s traumatic to be so poor you can’t meet your basic need
for shelter. There is sorrow, too. Add in humiliation and fear.
But all of that emotion is tinged with possibility instead of
deadening despair.
You support the Shelter because you trust us to carry out our
mission, to be good stewards of your resources, and to uphold
high standards of conduct. We try to earn this trust every day
and in every possible way. It’s up to us—the board members,
staff, and volunteers of the Shelter—to demonstrate our ongoing
commitment to our core values, values we share with you, our
indispensable community of supporters.
Independence is a tall order in some cases, but the philosophy
among Shelter staff is that the lives of people sleeping in our
bunks matter as much as their own. That the lives of the poor are
as important as the lives of members of our board of directors, our
army of volunteers, our donors and even people who’ll drive by
the Shelter on the way home to well-kept houses and never know
the Shelter exists. Or who know and don’t care.
Boulder Shelter Core Values:
• Treat all with dignity
• Offer support and
opportunity
• Achieve results through
competence and creativity
• Practice responsible
stewardship
You know the Boulder Shelter isn’t some high-end hotel. Nothing
really fancy here.
It may look like other shelters. May even smell like them. But in
some ways the Boulder Shelter is a cut above the stereotypical
dormitory for homeless men and women. And instead of rebuking
and blaming those who become Shelter residents when they come
to our door, you’ve honored them with this space.
In our clients’ life stories, a diversity of
experiences and identities emerge.
Recently, there arose an occasion for one of our sister agencies to
document a particular shared client’s experience with the Shelter.
We think it illustrates the way your ideals of integrity, honesty,
fairness, openness, respect, and responsibility are fulfilled through
what the Shelter does and how the Shelter does it.
Please go to page three to read more...
There are rules, protocols, expectations, goals to meet if one
is to stay here overnight, or enter one of our programs. But a
person doesn’t have to leave his or her human dignity at the
door to be here.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ARDIE SEHULSTER, PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR’S DIALOGUE
Retired HUD Official
MARK GOOSMAN, VICE-PRESIDENT
Senior Product Marketing Manager,
Spatial Corp.
MATT ROAN, TREASURER
DARRELL BILLINGTON,
SECRETARY/RECORDER
Secondary Educator,
Fairview High School
RUTH CORNFELD BECKER
Attorney
JIM CARLSON
Consultant
BENITA DURAN
Program Director,
Denver Public Schools
ANN GETCHES
Retired Business Owner
JACK GIPPLE
Psychotherapist
JEFF HOFFMEYER
Pastor, Valmont Community
Presbyterian Church
BETTY HOYE
Three hundred and sixty
five nights a year, from 5:00
to 7:00 pm, the Shelter
conducts its nightly intake
process. In the winter,
this includes clients in
the Transition Program
and Winter Sheltering
Program. In the summer, the intake procedure
is limited to Transition clients. Regardless of the
program, each Shelter client that comes to our
door brings a unique story. These stories often
include episodes of major trauma and significant
personal struggle. In this issue of Under Our
Roof, we are taking a look at inclusiveness and
what it means to be inclusive. For the Shelter,
inclusiveness is more than just a policy that states
“everyone is welcome”. Inclusiveness starts,
for us, with an attempt to understand the basis
of the personal struggles of our clients. For
example, a combat veteran suffering from PTSD
and an immigrant who doesn’t speak English
may require very different approaches for basic
interaction. The better the Shelter understands
the diverse populations it serves, the better
service it can provide; and the better chance
our clients have of returning to stability. To this
end, Shelter staff routinely engages in trainings
aimed at understanding the subpopulations of
the homeless community. This could include
understanding the basics of mental illness
and addiction, the challenges tied to domestic
violence, the hurdles of reentering society
after incarceration or the unique challenges of
being a transgender person. Clearly we cannot
be experts in every subpopulation we serve.
We can, however, attempt to acquire a basic
understanding of the challenges faced by many
of our clients. And this allows us to not only
provide better service but to embrace our core
value of treating all with dignity.
Greg Harms, Executive Director
CPA and Realtor
JEFF KAHN
Attorney
JIM PETERS
SCOTT ROBBINS
For those spending the night on the street, for sure. But even for those sleeping at the Shelter. The nights can
be rough. And your mind can worry. When the sun finally rises, it’s hard to believe a new day has begun. It
hardly feels that way. Sometimes it seems like the days just blur together into one long, miserable nightmare.
Housing Consultant
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
GREG HARMS
Executive Director
MICHAEL BLOCK
Director, Programs
TRAVIS RAILEY
Director,
Development & Marketing
MIKE RAUER
Director, Facilities
WAYNE AGRAZ
Controller
TIFFANY S.
Manager, Volunteers
Stop and smell
the coffee
Now imagine walking into the Shelter’s dining room; it’s warm and the people
are nice. There’s a comfortable chair for you to sit down on. The breakfast is
hot and delicious, pancakes, eggs, and fruit. There’s orange juice and…
Coffee.
A hot cup of coffee after a restless night isn’t just a cup of coffee. It changes
your day. After days or weeks of restless nights? It’s practically vital.
Here at the Boulder Shelter, we serve a lot of coffee. And we could serve a
lot more if we had it. Can you help us meet this ongoing need? Your coffee
donations are always gladly welcomed.
Of course, coffee’s not the only thing we need. To see our complete up-todate wish list, please visit www.bouldershelter.org.
And you can be sure the gratitude you feel when you grab your cup tomorrow
morning will be shared by someone at the Shelter when they grab theirs!
JANET M.
Manager, Transitional Housing
CECILY W.
Manager, Boulder County Cares
JANET WALKER READY
Manager, Housing First
31ofyears
service in our community.
CAROLINE GOOSMAN
Manager, Donor Outreach
& Events
KELLI MURPHY
Manager, Grants
The mission of the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless
is to provide safe shelter, food, support services, and
an avenue to self-sufficiency for homeless adults in
our community.
Meet us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/thebouldershelter
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Follow us on Twitter
www.twitter.com/bouldershelter
Under Our Roof
how we do it—together!
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to speak to the great impact that the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless and
their phenomenal staff had on one particular client, “Tim Ladle”.
I have been working with Tim for over three years and have seen him overcome many
obstacles, but I never saw him truly come into his own until he received support and
services from the Boulder Shelter. One of the biggest issues Tim experienced throughout
his life is that he was always treated differently. Through this discrimination Tim
learned to highlight his disadvantages, as opposed to his strengths, which continually
held him back.
From the first day Tim entered the Shelter, he was treated the same as all of the other
clients. He was held to the same expectations and structure as every other individual.
For the first time in his life Tim was not singled out because of his transgender status,
his disabilities, his past, or any other factors. He experienced for the first time what it
was like to be on a ‘level playing field.’
At first Tim rebelled and tried to highlight his status and disabilities as a way to get
special treatment, but the staff held the structure and boundaries firm. By creating a
healthy structure for Tim, he began to seek attention for positive changes and behaviors.
He stopped acting out in negative ways and began to have more confidence in his
positive attributes, and put his focus towards developing them.
Through a Strength-Based case management model Tim focused more and more
on the positive and began to set and achieve short-term goals, further boosting his
confidence. He was also able to apply for disability benefits, and through the persistence
and support of the Shelter’s Benefits Coordinator, he successfully received them. The
benefits provided the financial support and stability he needed in order to transition out
independently and successfully.
Tim is now living in his own apartment and thriving as an independent individual in
his community. Without the structure, support, safe space, and compassion provided
by the staff at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless I don’t believe Tim would have
been able to accomplish independence. The Shelter’s unique combination of services,
support, and resources were what gave Tim the tools to be successful. Although Tim
was a particularly special needs client when he entered the Shelter’s program, he was
treated as an equal. Not just to his homeless counterparts, but to every individual in this
community. Through this treatment Tim was finally able to see himself as an equal as
well.
Tim is only one individual of many that the Shelter provides similar support to each day.
I hope the Shelter is able to continue its mission to reach countless more individuals who
need an opportunity to be an equal.
Sincerely,
KG
Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Manager
The lovely folks at Rocky Mountain
Paddleboard recently donated
stand up paddleboard lessons and
equipment for a Shelter Fun Day.
The staff took to SUP with gusto,
enjoying each other, the reservoir,
and the gorgeous morning and
landscape. Great fun was had! Thank
you Rocky Mountain Paddleboard.
Autumn 2014
Uplifting
This mural, by Boulder muralist Sally
Eckert, will grace the exterior of
Boulder Housing Partners’ newest
housing project at 1175 Lee Hill.
Beginning this fall, 1175 Lee Hill
will provide permanent supportive
housing for 31 chronically homeless
people.
On-site supportive services for the
residents will be provided by the
Boulder Shelter case management
team.
In a Camera story about the mural,
Eckert asks, “How do you look at
community from the big picture?”
Something for all of us to ponder.
If you have a chance, come by and
have a look at the mural yourself.
The mural was commissioned by
ART@1175, whose mission is to place
public art exhibits on site at 1175
Lee Hill.
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A word from Tiffany,
our volunteer manager...
It has been an amazing move for me into the Volunteer Program Manager position.
Many thanks to all of the incredible volunteers who serve at the Shelter. I have had the
opportunity to meet a lot of of the individuals who have been coming in over the
summer season, and look forward to getting to know more of you as we shift into the
winter season.
As last year’s winter sheltering season drew to a close,
Shelter volunteers and staff enjoyed each other’s
company at our annual volunteer party. Thanks to
Avery Brewing and Savory Cuisines for the barrel room
and delicious appetizers, and to Winchester Holiday and
The Alcapones for the lively music. And, thanks again
especially to all our volunteers for your dedication and
continued support!
As the summer winds down I want to express my gratitude to the volunteers who have
supported our Transition Program each evening and our Morning Services each morning.
This summer we have seen unprecedented numbers of residents using morning services,
and thanks to you we have provided great meals, and great service. On behalf of the
residents, staff, and administration, I extend a heartfelt “Thank You!” We could not offer
these programs and services without YOU!
Volunteer Profile
How long have you been volunteering at the Shelter and
in which volunteer positions have you participated?
It has been 7 years now that I have volunteered at the Shelter. I actually
started in the “cage” before we had the lockers; we had cubbies where
residents could store their stuff and it was a volunteer’s responsibility
to manage the access. I believe everyone is much happier with the
locker system! After the cage, I started in dorm supply and really liked
the interaction with the residents and being able to provide them with
essentials. This is my first year as staff assistant and I am really enjoying it.
What inspired you to volunteer at the Shelter?
After I moved to Colorado, I was looking for
ways to get involved in the community. I have
always enjoyed volunteering. I saw a call for
volunteers in a newsletter and thought I might
enjoy volunteering at the Shelter. I was right!
Has anything surprised you about
volunteering at the Shelter? If so, what?
So many things... Most people start with a
preconceived notion of what the “face of
homelessness” looks like, including me. But
after my years of volunteering, I have realized
that there are countless reasons why someone
could be utilizing the Shelter and that if you
take your support network and safety nets
away most of us are closer to needing the same assistance that we are
helping to give. You can’t assume you know someone’s hardships or what
has brought them to the Shelter. I’m just glad I can contribute a small part
to what I hope is a positive step forward for the people here.
Lindsay K
Also, when I started volunteering I was hoping to have a lot of positive
interactions with the residents, and I wasn’t disappointed in that regard.
What I didn’t realize was how much I would enjoy working with the staff
as well. Each staff member that I have encountered has really made me
feel a part of the team and gone out of their way to make me feel welcome
and appreciated. That’s one of the many reasons I keep coming back.
Everyone Deserves a Cookie
Much of the Shelter’s food comes from Community Food
Share—a much-loved and vital Shelter partner—but few
homemade desserts are included. And so Shelter staff
and the Level 3 Cares team came up with a sweet idea.
Since the Shelter’s kitchen is open during the morning
after breakfast has been served, why not use that time
to invite volunteers to work in it, using recipes supplied
by the Shelter, and make and bake desserts and even,
sometimes, the main meals that will be shared by those
who come to the Shelter that evening?
And so, the idea for “Everyone Deserves a Cookie” was
hatched, designed as a model to engage community
volunteers with the Shelter, and as a way to further
utilize our available kitchen and provide home cooked
desserts and special meals for Shelter residents. So far,
in addition to Level 3, we’ve had groups in (sometimes
multiple times!) from Covidien, DigitalGlobe, Renewable
Energy Systems America and the Fridley Mission Group.
Yes, everyone deserves the bit of sweetness and home
that a cookie represents, and you who have made those
cookies deserve our heartfelt thanks. From all of us,
thank you, thank you.
Visit www.bouldershelter.org to find out how your
group can volunteer at the Shelter.
What is your favorite story or interaction from
your time volunteering at the Shelter?
When it’s a little quiet, I have time to chat with the residents. I remember
once there was a gentleman who was storing a keyboard and he would
take it out every once in a while and play me a couple of songs and try to
teach them to me.
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Under Our Roof
In March 2014, the Burnes Institute
was asked to analyze the services
and operations of Bridge House, the
Boulder Shelter for the Homeless,
and the Boulder Outreach for
Homeless Overflow (BOHO) and
to determine the potential for
increased collaboration among the
three organizations.
The Burnes Institute Report,
commissioned by the Community
Foundation Serving Boulder County,
was released at a luncheon at the
Shelter on August 5, 2014.
As this letter says, “Our three
organizations are committed to
working together...to improve
services to homeless adults.”
To receive an emailed copy
of the full report, contact
travis@bouldershelter.org.
Staff Profile
Meagan R
Why do you work at the Shelter?
At the heart of it is a simple fact: I love
people! I am a fairly restless person who
is always looking for something new or
different to try, and the Shelter allows me
to do what I love without taking myself too
seriously. The values the Shelter upholds
were a large part of my upbringing and each
day at the Shelter brings new experiences,
challenges, and opportunities.
What are your daily responsibilities?
I am fortunate enough to have a position
at the Shelter that lets me do a little bit of
everything! I recently transitioned into the
Regional Benefits Coordinator role in which
I will work closely with clients to help them
navigate the process of applying for SSI/
Autumn 2014
SSDI benefits. I am also a case manager for a
program which is aimed at housing clients
and helping them achieve self-sufficiency.
Lastly, I am a Supervisor, which I truly love
because the staff members at the Shelter are
absolutely amazing.
What exceptional challenges
and opportunities have you
discovered in your work here?
Connecting with people, no matter where
they are in life, is the foundation of what I
do and love. I am continuously amazed at
our clients’ capacity for love, courage, and
resilience even in the darkest of times, and
I am always learning something new about
humanity as well as about myself. Perhaps
the hardest challenge for me is accepting
that sometimes there is actually very little
that I can do to make a difference other
than to share a warm smile and offer a safe
space to be.
What do you like to do for fun?
Well, I am never bored, that’s for sure! My
three children keep me very busy in the
best way possible. I am always up for an
adventure, so anything to do with traveling,
being outdoors, or new experiences is
enjoyable for me. I definitely love some
“down” time too, so I can just as easily
cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie.
Somehow I have managed to find a good
balance between life and work, which has
helped to keep me sane.
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Great day on August 19 at The Ranch for our 20th Annual Boulder Shelter Golf
Classic! Special thanks to our Title Sponsors: Cook & Pagano, P.C. and Xilinx, Inc.
And, of course, to all our other sponsors and golfers and volunteers and committee.
Long Drives and Better Lives!
As positive as I had always been in life,
after I became homeless there were times
that I felt like giving up and just letting my
disabilities and chronic health conditions do
So the Shelter will be here
me in. I am so appreciative for the Shelter
this winter for those who
being there when I needed it. I would have
need it, please consider
most likely died if I had to sleep on the
adopting a winter night.
streets at night. I am so grateful to all the
wonderful people who run and support
the Shelter. For their efforts to assist in its
You will save a life,
existence... so that this support system will
and change it forever.
be there for those of us who have stumbled
into misfortune.
—Former Shelter resident
www.bouldershelter.org
Address Service Requested
4869 North Broadway
Boulder, CO 80304
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