July 2020 Newsletter

Download a PDF to read the full newsletter. Or read our featured article below.

Samaritan Inn Or Car Camping

Lisa (55) and her daughter, Syrenda (33) were in a housing predicament. Syrenda needs certain accommodations for her electric wheelchair. She was born with spina bifida that causes paralysis. At about the same time as she was being discharged from a long-term, medical rehabilitation facility, her mom was returning from an extended stay with another adult child during his surgery. However, they could not immediately find adequate housing together. Lisa moved in with a friend that had stairs her daughter could not use. Syrenda shared a place with a family member that did not have room for her mom. When Syrenda’s special needs became too much for the family member’s household to bear, she was made to leave. Lisa went to the rescue of her daughter, with the option of Samaritan Inn or car camping.

Since last July, they have been at Samaritan Inn, sharing a private room. They are in our special needs pod, that has four bedrooms, two private restrooms, a private shower room, and a shared living room. They are number one on two housing waiting lists, but are not moving up. People are sheltered in place, and there have not been housing openings. New, temporary laws prevent evictions during this virus season, slowing the rental turnover rate. One list, they are on, is for a downstairs apartment, that is hard to find, because many older buildings do not have elevators. The other list is for a complex built for handicap access.

Each has her own medical issues, yet shows real determination to overcome them and have a home. Lisa has dealt with depression, cancer, and more. Her job is driving a bus, transporting people with disabilities to various locations. She was working 20 hours a week, until the virus slowed activity to fewer hours. She really wants to work and provide. Syrenda struggles with a need to feel perfect and to belong somewhere. She said, “This place is a sanctuary.”

Before we had to temporarily suspend our chapel services, Lisa said, “That is when I truly felt close, worshiping was euphoric, feeling the Lord’s presence. I felt like I just glowed. Without chapel, I feel a little more depression and sleepless nights. I have withdrawn and isolate, not as social as before.” Still her faith is strong. She said, “People ask, ‘How can you profess God, when all these things are happening to you?’ It is because He is the One Who got me through it.”

We are all hopeful for life to stabilize. They are grateful for not having to live in their minivan, for Samaritan Inn being accepting of and providing for their special needs, and being patient with the long waiting lists for housing. Soon, they will have their own place and more working hours. Already, our chapel services are returning.