June Letter from the Executive Director, Julie Lowe

To all of our wonderful TIS supporters,

Homelessness Sucks!

Please excuse my language, but this is a tough letter for me this month. Our guests face so many obstacles each and every day, and many struggle with substantial mental and physical health challenges, which are so incredibly difficult to address when unhoused. Their time in Shelter gives them a respite, and allows them a little time free from worrying where they will sleep tonight. This enables them to make the calls required to put a health plan into place, and to begin to work that plan.

While the next step on their journey, Transitional Housing, is a type of ‘graduation’ from Shelter and a sought-after step toward self-reliance, many struggle with their new-found freedoms and responsibilities. Thanks to your generosity, we have a team of Case Managers who support them along the way, yet getting back into a routine of paying rent, utilities and all that goes along with setting up a new home is challenging. Not to mention taking care of their children, if they have them, and keeping on top of their own health care needs. We also supply encouragement and support in their efforts to find higher paying jobs, so that in two years or less, they may be ready to tackle the challenge of current (exorbitant) market rent and low inventory of affordable homes in our area.

It is heartbreaking for us when one of our guests, or a family, struggles so much with this transition that they take a few steps backward. We work with these guests to bolster their resolve, and to make any adjustments that could help them continue on a positive trajectory. It is difficult work. I am so proud of and thankful for the dedicated team we have put together, and thankful to you for enabling us to provide these vital services.  I pray for our team, our guests, and you every day.

My heart is also aching to see Miss Fran leaving TIS to open another chapter of her life’s novel. Fran has been our extremely dedicated Operations Director since our second year of the rotating faith model, 14 years ago! Her last day was June 28, and I will miss her very, very much, while wishing her the best of everything in her new adventures!

Lisa Niles has “huge shoes to fill”, as she puts it, but I am confident that she is up for the challenge and is an excellent addition to our team. TIS is turning a page as well, and we will all strive to provide even stronger support for our guests as the months and years go on.

We need the help of the entire community to do this challenging work, and we are so grateful for your partnership. I encourage you to share your passion for TIS with your friends and colleagues. It amazes us, but we still run into folks who have not heard of the Talbot Interfaith Shelter, and who aren’t aware that we have so many neighbors grappling with homelessness in our Mid-Shore counties. It truly takes a village to support those who are invisible, downtrodden, traumatized and struggling, and we are honored that you are part of that village. Thank you for your continued robust backing of TIS, and for helping to bring others “into the fold”. We embrace everyone!

With Much Gratitude,

Julie Lowe, TIS Executive Director