When it was the James Wilson hotel, the four story
building just off the square in downtown Carlisle was a place where people
wanted to stay. But, for the last twenty six years, it's been a place where
some people needed to stay. The building is part of the Safe Harbour homeless
shelter network in Cumberland County. And, until six weeks ago, it's where
Helen Macdonald lived.
"I was very down," said Macdonald, looking back
on that time. " I was very depressed. I just never thought I could be in
that position."
Just a year ago, the college educated, single mom was
living in her car, after losing her job and home when her Camp Hill employer
suddenly left town
"I just felt so hopeless," she said. "
Like I had no future. I had no purpose."
But with counseling and encouragement from Safe Harbour
staff and fellow residents, all that changed.
"One thing this whole experience has given me,"
she said, " is kind of a heart for other people."
Macdonald has her own apartment now, and volunteers time
to the New Life Community Church out of Mt. Holly Springs. She often helps with
the church's Sunday morning service and breakfast held in the Carlisle Theater
building. And she does all this while raising funds for an upcoming mission
trip to Haiti to help with earthquake relief efforts.
with funding from individuals, businesses, churches and
government grants, Safe Harbour provides shelter and services at several
locations in cumberland county, for a growing and varied list of clients. In a
typical year, Safe Harbour provides 38-thousand nights of shelter for those in
need.
Community Relations and Development Director for Safe
Harbour, Scott Shewell said the stereotypical image of a homeless person
doesn't fit anymore. "We have everything from newborn to elderly veterans,
families and single women," he said.
Those in charge of helping the homeless get their lives
turned around say it's not about looking back, but, instead, looking ahead.
"I am very excited about the future," said
Macdonald. "I actually feel like I have a future."
