Hurry up... and wait.
Just so you know, writer's block is real and even when this post was right in front of me in August, it has taken me this long to actually sit down and write again. However, in all honesty, it has been a rollercoaster of a month and that is putting it mildly.
Since the last blog post on July 27th so much has happened. In fact, prior to the last blog post a lot happened and I didn't circle back... so, picture the opening of your favorite show doing a bit of a recap:
I received the contact information for someone at (then) DHCD and scheduled a meeting to learn more about the steps of becoming a state option - great meeting which told me what we needed to do. At the top of that list, identify (or buy) property if we didn't want to be "just" a service provider. Deep sigh because this seemed nearly impossible after the attempts with the city. (May 2023)
On a, very rare, day off Marisol and I were driving back from daycare drop off when she saw a rental (or leasing) sign on a building. I turned around, went inside (unnoticed, eek!), called the phone number on the sign and spoke with the property manager. We spoke multiple times throughout the day, met over the weekend, and decided there was an opportunity for partnership. (SCORE!) (June 2023)
Now with access to multiple properties, we submit a quote for a state bid to be considered a viable option for shelter programming. (June 2023)
Waiting to hear back, we begin to look into building bridges in the city with organizations already doing the work. I won't list them but there are really passionate people and organizations in the city of Worcester waiting and willing to partner. (July 2023)
Throughout this period, a few additional things happened: (1) we continued to check on our quote status, (2) we worked with a masters level course to help build infrastructure and fill gaps of the organization, (3) renovations continued on one of the properties, (4) we continued to apply for operational funds, (5) we began to build a rolodex of other shelter programs who may have available beds in the event we get other calls of individuals (or families) looking for support, and (6) CONSTANT REFLECTION.
I met great people, I believe, we will be able to reconnect with at some point. To think, I really only covered May - July with start-up related items, imagine the world of parenting, full-time employment, additional loss, and general life behind the scenes! Here comes August...
August 8th, the Governor of Massachusetts declares a State of Emergency for the lack of available shelter as the number of migrant families entering the state continues to increase! Wow! I think, "Here's our chance!" Two months after our quote submission and ... nothing. A month after the declaration and ... nothing. We're stagnant. Although there has been progress as previously outlined, this, as a business owner, this is when/where you (I) begin to question everything done to this point and the very existence of what you (I) thought was a need being filled. We (I) begin to question our (my) own existence in the spaces in which we operate. Here, focus less on the slow progress especially if you're a business owner and more on what it means to keep going when you just want to throw in the towel. This specific post isn't to ignore the fact that everyone, everywhere, is short staffed but to focus on that feeling that resembles failure. On the road to anything worth having (or doing) are hurdles and, at some point, many get tired of jumping and simply walk-off. Some do walk-off and return, others never find their way back.
I have wanted to walk-off.
We all have a choice (really, choices) to make when chasing anything and none of them are easy to make but must be made nonetheless. At some point, you will need to make a choice with the understanding that no matter what you choose, it will follow you; can you live with that choice? This is the question worth asking yourself before committing to whatever it is and when you're satisfied with the answer, you'll know it is time.
Meryl's Safe Haven is no longer looking for a "haven", we have found partnership that will allow us to shelter the unsheltered, but your continued support is appreciated as we continue to work towards sustainability.
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