This shelter in San Diego is chock full of amazing people, all pitching in to help. There are beds for hundreds of people, clean clothes, health checks, travel assistance, and case management. They’re doing a lot.
But the problem is…there isn’t much for the people staying there to do.
For migrants seeking shelter, it’s a waiting game. Some people are there for only a few hours. Some are there for days – even weeks. On top of that, families have arrived at the shelter after a long journey. It’s the first time they’ve been able to take a breath. After a difficult journey and difficult situations at home, they’ve arrived at a safe haven.
Volunteers and staff at the shelter wanted them to have an opportunity to ease their mind – even for just a moment.
Something that’s universal? The joy of watching a good movie.
We installed TVs in the large dorm room where families have their cots, and in the children’s area we helped create. We got DVD players and some DVDs.
The guests – and especially the kids! – were immediately drawn in. They popped in a kid’s movie and began to relax.
“Y’all are angels,” said Monste, one of the volunteers. “People have wanted this for so. But no one has had time to actually do it.”
The TV isn’t much. But it is a temporary relief from everything they are struggling with, a much-needed distraction. A momentary pause on their journey to a new life.
