02/01/2026
We are wrapping up the final day of this round at the overnight emergency shelter. 10 days/ 9 nights. 34 people and 5 dogs stayed overnight and at least another 25-30 would come and go throughout the day hours. We served three hot meals a day and lots of snacks. (Lesson learned - it's not smart to serve beans on days like these.) Those who have recently gotten clean have been teasing about the weight they are starting to put on. I call it getting healthy.
As I sit here and reflect on this past 10 days, I thought I would share some things that I have seen, heard, and had the privilege to be a part of. We see good things happen all the time, but it gets highlighted more during times like these. And though these things might sound small or insignificant to some people, it is a BIG deal for us and I celebrate each victory! Seeds were planted and now I get to sit back and watch them grow!
As they were cleaning up the cots and blankets, they were all reminded how thankful they are to have had a place to keep warm and safe in. They each showed their appreciation in various ways. This week was filled with more laughter than I've heard in a long time- in any setting I've been in. I can honestly say I've had true fun and joy. They've learned to coexist with others for the sake of the situation, even when they might have a beef with each other. We've learned to make amends for wrongs we've done to each other in the past. We've worked on effective communication and conflict resolution using new techniques, like changing our tones, words, and body language when speaking to each other and asking for forgiveness when we forget to use respect with each other. We've learned that not everyone gets it right every time and that is why we offer the same grace to them as we would want given to us when we mess up. We've learned it is possible to stay clean for 10 days in a row, and some have realized they want more and have made arrangements for continued support in that. RHOP hosted Celebrate Recovery where 20 of us chose to attend service. We took turns praying over each meal that we had. We've made new friends that we now call family. Some made connections with the volunteers from Creekside Church and 4 of them went to church this morning. There is so much more that I could go on and on about.
I want to thank my staff and volunteers that put their lives on hold to make sure the shelter could stay open. Keeping it open for 24 hours a day for 10 days is a big commitment and I am more than grateful for the help we had. I am also thankful for those who donated food and/or supplies and gave monetary donations to help alleviate the additional expenses.
I'm going to answer the questions before they are asked (because they will be). Where will all those homeless people go now? The answer is simple - back to where they were 11 days ago. Here and there, and everywhere. And yes, they are aware it will still be cold at night, and yes, they have been given what they need to survive the cold nights ahead but could use more resources. And yes, they still have needs that are unmet. Not fun answers and it breaks my heart. But it is the truth. As a community, we can do better. But for now, I am going to continue offering what I can with what I got and pray it is enough.
We will be returning to our normal winter business hours beginning tomorrow:
Warming Station: Mon - Fri, 9-5
The Kingdom Kloset: Mon - Fri, 2-5.
For those wanting to help, we need volunteers, monetary donations to cover additional utility/food expenses; and ready-to-eat breakfast and snack items.
We are located at 315 N. Adair, Pryor, OK 74361. Cash app $ImpactCenterofOK. Call/Text with any questions. 918-688-0303.
-Janice