Maryhouse Moments
BINGO glimmers
“Biiiiiiiingo! Ladies, I am here for BINGOOOOO!” Rosemary, our dedicated volunteer, glides through the lobby singing that it’s time for the weekly BINGO game. Today, she is a whole day early so it’s a surprise to the ladies. Today they thought they’d have another day of conversing with each other, sitting or sleeping in comfort,…
Read MoreSometimes, even the most difficult moments in this work call for a good laugh
I heard our front door swing open and I heard her voice before I even saw who it was. I smiled and said aloud to my coworkers, “Sue!” I walked out of the office into the lobby to Sue standing in the doorway, wearing her long blue coat, her blonde hair combed to perfection, all…
Read MoreShe maintains beauty.
She can often be found darting from one end of campus to another, carrying a pot of dirt or a sickly flower that needs a little love. Most recently she hauled a giant watermelon, grown in her garden shouting, “Isn’t this cool?” Her name is Donna. 25 years ago she was homeless and she’d say,…
Read More"Hey now, it's always good to be seen!"
“Good morning, how are you?” “I’m blessed. Very blessed.” More often than not this is the response from our women as they enter our back patio gate every morning. They are often pushing squeaky carts with shaky wheels, overflowing baby strollers filled with all that they own, or tattered and torn suitcases that have…
Read More"I've never walked so fast, I'm so glad you're still here."
I opened the door, after hours, frustrated that someone was pounding feverishly. She was panting and sweating. She was out of breath as she was smiling. I saw her then I saw a baby. His skin so beautiful and clean, his demeanor so calm. I looked up and she said, “I’ve never walked so fast,…
Read More"Why won't she give me her baby?"
My walk past the water cooler in the Maryhouse lobby happens often as the door right next to the cooler leads me to the coffee. Today was like any other day, the lobby was full which means babies laughing or crying, women shouting or talking. The phone was ringing mail was being checked and…
Read More"I'm here! Thank you!"
Today was my first day as Director at Maryhouse. I woke up feeling the same as any other day, tired because I dislike mornings and fiercely craving a pot of coffee. When I arrived on campus I was greeted by three of our very vulnerable guests, one right after the other; I’d like to say that…
Read MoreMaryhouse Celebrates 30 Years!
This month, Maryhouse celebrates its 30th anniversary! Maryhouse, a daytime hospitality shelter for women at Loaves & Fishes, has served thousands of women over the years, and continues each day to provide a safe space for women and children in Sacramento. To celebrate 30 years, we will share stories of Maryhouse each day in September:…
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