Client Stories

Former Client Becomes Outstanding Volunteer

Jessica

It sounds trite, but it’s true: attitude can make all the difference. We see it at Room at the Inn. Clients who approach their plans with a positive attitude and a willingness to work are the ones who succeed. Jessica, 27, is a perfect example: Jessica stayed at Room at the Inn in the winter of 2007. Now she is getting practicum hours at the shelter as she works toward an associate degree in social work from Florissant Valley Community College.

Jessica’s homeless episode in 2007was not the first time she found shelter at Room at the Inn. When she was 12, her mother became homeless, and Jessica and her brother came to Room at the Inn with their mother. When her instructor at Florissant Valley Community College began to talk about options for practicum work, Jessica already knew where she wanted to share her talents. “I’ve got love for the people!” she says. “I’ve been through it, and I want to give back for the help I’ve received.” Jessica plans to use her degree to continue working with the homeless.

Jessica still lives in the transitional shelter house Room at the Inn helped her to find in 2007. Her rent is based on her income, and is kept manageable so that she can save toward buying her own home at the end of five years. In addition, Room at the Inn helped Jessica with utility bills and doctor appointments. “The people at the congregations really helped me!” Jessica said, noting that they were flexible with schedules because she had a job while living at the shelter. The other clients helped, too, by accommodating her schedule and helping with her chores.

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