Volunteering in the Women’s Dorm

Welcome to our First Look Experience into volunteering with KARM! For those who don’t know me, I’m Laura Lee. I am a new hire at Knox Area Rescue Ministries, joining as a Copywriter! I hope this article inspires you to sign up to volunteer to have your own First Look Experience!

For my second day at KARM, I had the opportunity to serve in the dorms. When I was first informed where I would be serving, I was nervous. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I had no idea what I would be doing.

Once I entered, all my nerves eased when I found numerous KARM staff members ready to welcome me and help me get where I needed to go. Everyone I met exhibited a high level of hospitality that made me feel right at home

A staff member brought me up to the women’s wing, where the dorms were. There, I met two wonderful women, Felicia, Women’s Navigator, and Traci, Women’s Guest Services Team Member. Both were more than happy to have an extra set of hands and gave me a summary of what I would be doing for the night.

Looking around the room, the dorms were large, housing 120 beds for women. Along the sides of the room lay bunk beds while those in the middle were just simple twin beds. Some were adorned with Ebed cards, letters of encouragement for guests, and at the bottom of each bed lay a crate with a lock for personal belongings. Then up at the counter lay an array of products for dental, feminine, and overall hygiene.

Once I arrived, it was almost 4 pm, which is when guests have to check themselves in for their bed that night. Missing that time slot could cost someone their bed and possibly put them at the bottom of the waitlist. I was impressed by how the two women graciously shared this information, exhibiting compassion and urgency for the guests. In fact, not just then, but throughout the night, I could see their heart for the guests who came in seeking refuge from the cold.

I ended up helping with scanning women in as they came to check in and grab toiletries and other hygiene products they needed for the night.  Many of them were very kind and thankful for my help, some even asking who the new girl was. Conversation flowed smoothly and the women seemed eager and thankful to have someone to listen to them.

Throughout the night, I saw the foundation of relationships shine in ordinary moments. Felicia and Traci spoke with the guests like old buddies, while the guests would make jests at them. It warmed my heart to see the community flourishing before my eyes.

What I found most beautiful were the tender moments of coaching and compassion. It was apparent that trust was built between the guests and the staff members. There were multiple occasions where Felicia and Traci lent a listening ear and honest feedback. If you had asked me before volunteering, I wouldn’t have known how much conflict resolution and people skills are just naturally taught throughout the night. I found that through disputes, Tracy would often point back to loving our neighbor, even those who might be difficult.

The women were responsive to the staff members’ discipline and advice. What I loved most was the love the two staff members showed. Felicia spent her time going back and forth, setting everything up for everyone and helping guests have what they needed. At the same time, there were multiple moments where Traci granted hugs to the women, something that feels so much warmer when you feel alone.

For the first time, I could clearly see the need for community for those who struggle with homelessness. At the heart of everyone is the desire to feel at home. That is exactly what I saw KARM offering.

And guess what, you can be a part of what KARM is doing. Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

My favorite part of the night was when a volunteer who had been serving for thirteen years came. She said she and her husband started volunteering because they became empty nesters when their children moved out. I thought it was so wholesome how they call their volunteer nights “date night” when they go to serve in each of the dorms, her in the women’s and her husband at the men’s.

Throughout her interactions with guests, I saw kindness radiating from this woman, even more so when she began the devotional before bed, reading Psalm 23. You could tell she loved what she did. When I asked her why volunteer, and why KARM, she responded: “I wanted to feel needed.”

There are many reasons to volunteer at KARM, and we would love for you to be a part of our mission. If you are interested in volunteering, you can go to this karm.org/volunteer, or you can email Mark Roberts, mroberts@karm.org, for a tour to learn more.

Highlights

1. While serving, a guest came to me who seemed excited to meet the new girl, asking me questions and making jokes: seeking connection. She soon started sharing her writings with me and opening up about her story little by little. She opened up about the loss in her life, along with some life circumstances that had altered her idea of God. Then, she shared how her childhood pet had died that day. Tears filled her eyes as I watched Traci walk around the counter to hug her. Traci encouraged her and loved her just as Jesus would. It was a heartwarming moment, one only made possible because someone was willing to step out of their comfort zone to offer aid and support.

2. There was a woman who came up to the table, distressed after losing her vape. My first reaction was gratitude, for I knew it wasn’t good for her. What broke my heart is what she said next: “It’s the only thing I have!” If I’m honest, there are no better words to describe the horror and sadness in this quote. Here she was, homeless, seeking shelter, and the only possession she owned did her harm; even that was lost. I share this to show the fact that many of these women are seeking connection, but are also battling many hardships and unhealthy lifestyles. May we continue to pray for these women as they seek a path forward.

3. Throughout the night, multiple groups from churches and communities came to serve. Two young ladies came to host a bible study while another group, lovingly called “The Birthday Ladies”, came to bring sweet treats and donations to celebrate the guests’ birthdays. For some, the guests staying in the dorms are nothing more than metrics and data. But to KARM and these volunteers, who sacrifice their time, remind guests that they are treasured by God and themselves. If you are interested in partnering with a team, email volunteer@karm.org for more information.

Did You Know

During my time, there were many things that I was able to give out to women that I would have never thought of donating. I made a list for anyone reading who might be interested in bringing to KARM’s main campus. If you want to deliver items to KARM personally, please deliver them to 2909 N Broadway, Monday through Friday, between 9 am to 5 pm. Contact us at 865.673.6540 or by email at info@karm.org to schedule a drop-off.  You can read here for more information.

• Underwear

• Nighttime pull-ups

• Cough drops

• Deodorant (nothing with aerosol)

• Band aids