Jayne S.

Recent Activity

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  Jayne signed the petition | over 2 years ago

  Call for the Immediate Release of Aung San Suu Kyi and All Prisoners of Conscience in Myanmar
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  Jayne commented on the article | over 2 years ago

  Oprah Wants to Makeover Your Shelter

  Thanks Shannon! I submitted a request:
  
  Interfaith Sanctuary moved into our permanent bldg. in late Fall of 2007. Since 2005, we had been in borrowed spaces for winter sheltering only. We serve men, women, and families with children. There are 3 shelters located within a 10,200 sq. foot converted warehouse. We serve 130-155 people every night and approx. 1,000 individuals/families each year. The warehouse has needed a lot of work beginning with a sprinkler and alarm system and now a roof, insulation, and an HVAC system are needed. Anything from the ceiling down has not been given a lot of attention! I am the Director of the Shelter and I tell people that what we lack in aesthetics, we make up for in compassion. We have a vision for bldg. improvements, but it takes money and time. Our first priority is to provide shelter. We are a community-run shelter and utilize over 50 volunteers each week. Volunteers come from a diverse cross-section of faith groups, organizations, and the community.  
  Hope you'll consider helping out.
  www.interfaithsanctuary.org

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  Jayne commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

  Shelters Prepare for Swine Flu Pandemic

  As a Director for a 155 bed shelter, I'd be interested to hear from other shelters on what specifically they are doing to address this or prepare for it. We instituted hand sanitizing upon entry and are mounting some wall units. Have posted hand washing, hand sanitizing, cover your cough signs in all restrooms and hospitality areas. Making sure we have ample anti-bacterial soap in restrooms. Convened a 'house meeting' to share information. This past week, have rearranged some rooms to create a women's and a men's Medical Unit to isolate individuals who have a contagious illness (of any kind). Will be adding a new community volunteer shift position for Med Unit Floater. We are a night shelter only with 4 paid staff and 50 volunteer positions a week. We are not open during the day. However, the next step is to work on how to staff the building during the daytime for those who can't be out on the street (a minor miracle will be needed!).
  
  I nodded my head after reading "Hear Us's" comment on volunteers perhaps choosing to not expose themselves. Yikes! is right. Let's plan as we can and hope for the best.

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  Jayne commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

  Tangled in the Safety Net

  Wow. All too familiar of a story and sounds like some of what I go through with people as well.  What I have seen first-hand is the necessity for those like you to provide friendship and advocacy to help people maneuver the various systems. Because I do this as well (in my spare time!), I am continuously amazed at how difficult all of this can be for anyone to deal with. You have an amazing heart Steve.
  
  I was interested to learn a little more about the Vulnerability Index Survey - haven't seen that yet here. Maybe useful. Which agency manages this in Nashville?
  
  Jayne Sorrels
  Shelter Director

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  Jayne commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

  Displaced by Disaster

  Very uplifting to hear how people are reaching out to one another. Thanks for sharing the story Shannon.

  
  

  Jayne Sorrels, Shelter Director

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  Jayne commented on the article | almost 3 years ago

  Don't be Homeless, Get a Job!

  Hey Steve. All too true. I just did a training/tour at the shelter this weekend and talked about many of the points you make. People who are not part of this world, I think, don't consider all of this. I was at a meeting recently and a man from the dept of labor mentioned that for every low-skilled job posting that comes in his office, he has 300 applicants. It is very very hard for people with some or many of the barriers you listed to compete. A lot of our people go to day labor looking for work but there just aren't many employers hiring. No easy answers.
  
  

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  Jayne commented on the article | about 3 years ago

  My First Night Homeless

  Mark - thanks for this post and your perspective. I am a homeless shelter director and try extra hard to extend myself to those who are newly homeless. I get the calls during the day and can hear it in their voice. This is especially hard for families and we're seeing more and more who are homeless for the first time. Many blessings,Jayne