Dear family in Christ and in the struggle for survival and dignity for all people,
This is week three 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 11 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. We are looking to raise $30,000 in this year-end appeal. 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 recruiting and retaining our 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: Skye Clayton and Janet Belles!
Skye Clayton, 28 years old, Ocean Shores WA:
How did you first get connected with Chaplains on the Harbor?
I first started getting involved helping the homeless community by working in a shelter in Aberdeen after experiencing my own unstable housing issues after a house fire. I then met Sarah and then started helping at the Westport shelter the following winter.
Why did you stick around at Chaplains on the Harbor?
I stay with Chaplains on the Harbor because I feel the group as a whole is making the biggest difference in the community, and I enjoy the work that I do there.
What work do you do at Chaplains on the Harbor?
[I help at] the cold weather shelter in Westport, and, more recently, I’ve started working on the farm, too.
What have you done that you’re most proud of since you’ve been with Chaplains on the Harbor?
The things I’ve done with Chaplains that I’m most proud of so far is helping people stay warm and fed and just stay alive during the cold, wet winter months.
What one thing do you want to do MOST while you’re still with Chaplains on the Harbor?
What I want to do most is to keep helping people through their difficult times until they’re ready to do what they need to do to better their situation, and to continue to spread awareness about addiction and that people can get better.
Janet Belles, 55 years old, Westport WA:
How did you first connect with Chaplains on the Harbor?
I first started connecting with Chaplains on the Harbor on a Wednesday when I met a lady with a collar coming to me asking me if I was okay. It was really strange to me because I have never seen a lady preacher before. Next day, on a Thursday, I was standing in line at the food bank and someone said that she was coming to open the church in Westport. I was really excited and was surprised to see that kind sweet lady I met.
Why did you stick with Chaplains on the Harbor?
I stick with Chaplains on the Harbor because it has a lot of opportunities to spread your wings and to step out of your comfort zone, and I believe in helping others and caring about people.
What work do you do at Chaplains on the Harbor?
I am a donation collector: I help others get what they need (food, clothes, dog food, etc).
What have you done that you’re most proud of since you’ve been with Chaplains on the Harbor?
I am learning to love myself so I can love others. Since working with Chaplains, it helped me love and respect myself as I am.
What one thing do you want to do MOST while you’re still with Chaplains on the Harbor?
I want to travel and be more involved with people.
