From Aaron Scott, Diocesan Missioner of Anti-Poverty Organizing and Chaplain and Organizer with Chaplains on the Harbor:
Dear family in Christ and in the struggle for survival and dignity for all people,
Here’s week two of Chaplains on the Harbor sharing testimonies from our incredible staff, as part of our year-end appeal. As individuals and as a team, we have come a long way in six years – from homelessness, from active addiction, from incarceration, from family separation, from a budget of $500 and backpack full of sandwiches – to a thriving staff of eleven leaders who fight daily for our own healing, our families, and our whole community, testifying before the US Senate and settling two federal lawsuits in the defense of homeless people’s human rights. If our true stories move you, please contribute to our mission. Your financial gifts fund everything from tents and tarps, to Narcan training, to tractor repairs for Harbor Roots Farm, to printing our jail and prison newsletter, to feeding and sheltering people, to hiring new staff who are getting off the streets or out of jail, to our organizing with the Poor People’s Campaign.
This week’s featured staff interviews: Mashyla Buckmaster and James Petersen!
Mashyla Buckmaster, 30 years old, Westport WA:
How did you first get connected with Chaplains on the Harbor?
I first got connected with Chaplains on the Harbor during my addiction.
Why did you stick around at Chaplains on the Harbor?
I stuck around because they started to pay me, but most of all I was really interested in joining the revolution.
What work do you do at Chaplains on the Harbor?
I do my best to feed people and make sure they feel seen and safe – if only for a couple hours out of the day.
What have you done that you’re most proud of since you’ve been with Chaplains on the Harbor?
There are tons of things I’m proud of. I thank God every day for because of this job. But ultimately I’m proud of the person I’ve become.
What one thing do you want to do MOST while you’re still with Chaplains on the Harbor?
The thing I want most is for children who are suffering from abusive or addicted parents to know that there are better choices out there. And that there are people out here who love them – even if they don’t know them. I want to build a community that gives love, support, and opportunity to any person who would otherwise feel very alone in this world.
James Petersen, 29 years old, Aberdeen WA:
How did you first connect with Chaplains on the Harbor?
I met Sarah when she was passing out sandwiches under the bridge. At first I thought she was crazy priest lady trying to convert my homies. Later discovered she was a great person who cares a lot about the people. Then a little less than two years ago, when I was again homeless and working on getting my sons back, she asked me if I’d like to work with her.
Why did you stick with Chaplains on the Harbor?
I believe deeply in the work. I love my job. I get peace working in our field on the farm, and I finally get to give back to the community. Also not only give back, but I believe we are helping direct our community to a better future.
What work do you do at Chaplains on the Harbor?
[I get to] be the most awesome person ever. I work on the farm and at the shelter. I am also willing and ready to do anything needed.
What have you done that you’re most proud of since you’ve been with Chaplains on the Harbor?
[We] sued the city. On a personal level I have become a much more productive member of society, I’m almost two years clean, and I’ve become a great father.
What one thing do you want to do MOST while you’re still with Chaplains on the Harbor?
I love the traveling so I wanna do a little more of that, but I also really just want to get us to be a solid contributor to our community – to get our name out there and help our community get back up on its feet. I still think today and forever we should keep saving the world, one day at a time.
To donate to Chaplains on the Harbor, follow the link below.
