07/21/2026
Our Lady of Salem Shelter for Women is governed by a Board of Directors. Let's meet Board Member Fr. Steve Rice.
Fifteen years ago, Fr. Steve, the rector of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, (where the shelter is located), offered space for an emergency shelter and has been blessed to be involved ever since. He shares his experience here:
This work has radically transformed not only St Timothy’s, but me personally. For both, the shelter has challenged and reset what hospitality means. It has drawn us deeper into the root of the word, which is also expressed in the words, hospice and hospital. Our guests have invited us to open our eyes and hearts to the person and not the problem. They have taught us the importance of listening, not simply to give room to another voice, but to learn from that voice.
Our Lady of Salem has redefined what works of mercy are to look like. I should say, redefined for us, as the true definition has always been in the Gospels. Perhaps the most important lesson I have learned is that the call to love one another cannot be segmented into seasons, nor does it have days off. It is complicated and often messy, with frustrations and loose ends that may never be tied up. This, however, is love as it is experienced, and not in a book, social media post, or idea. when the overflow shelter system was in its infancy.
