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,
Chaplains on the Harbor still needs to raise $30,000 to close out the year! This is the final week 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. 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: Chris Olive and Angela Schooner!
Chris Olive, 35 years old, Hoquiam WA:
How did you first get connected with Chaplains on the Harbor?
I first connected with Chaplains on the Harbor when I was homeless in Westport and I stayed at the church/shelter that Sarah opened.
Why did you stick with Chaplains on the Harbor?
In the beginning of 2018, I volunteered to help out on Harbor Roots farm and ended up sticking around because I was offered a job.
What work do you do at Chaplains on the Harbor?
I am currently the farm manager and will soon be doing some administrative work for the organization. I chose to stick around because I love the people I work with and who they are as individuals. I believe there are not enough people in the world doing this type of work, and I have a debt to repay to my community for some of the damage I did while in active addiction and I cannot leave until my work is done.
What have you done that you’re most proud of since you’ve been with Chaplains on the Harbor?
One of the things that I am most proud of having been able to do since my time with this organization is the fact that I got to go to Washington DC and testify before Congress as a representative of the homeless veteran population. I would say that I am also proud to have been a factor in helping to change people’s minds in regards to the current paradigm surrounding addiction, homelessness, and poverty.
What one thing do you want to do MOST while you’re still with us?
The thing I would like to do most is to continue to educate the public and open meaningful lines of communication between opposing viewpoints of these issues in an attempt to cooperatively forge a path forward for a better community and society as a whole.
Angela Schooner, 54 years old, Hoquiam WA:
How did you first connect with Chaplains on the Harbor?
I was a volunteer at the Aberdeen Sunday meal and also served lunches under the Southside bridge.
Why did you stick with Chaplains on the Harbor?
I can see how important Chaplains is, how we make a difference, and I love the people I work with.
What work do you do at Chaplains on the Harbor?
I help cooking, cleaning, listening, and whatever needed.
What have you done that you’re most proud of since you’ve been with Chaplains on the Harbor?
There is one person who comes to the dinner on Sunday who doesn’t talk. He just nods or shakes his head to communicate. One day I handed them their food and I heard, “Thank You.” I was full of such joy! Also so honored they let me hear them!
What one thing do you want to do MOST while you’re still with us?
Set up and start a Recovery Cafe.
