Several board members spent the night in the tiny cabins in early December to make sure everything was in working order before guests moved in. We discovered that the motion sensor lights are very bright and stay on for too long, the beds are very comfortable, the design of the cabins helps keep out noise and that walking to the bathroom in the night was not a big deal. Of course, it was a warm night in the mid-thirties.
We adjusted the motion sensor lights, added small battery operated interior lights close to the beds and made sure that there is plenty of ice melt available.
Two guests have now moved in. We are still going through growing pains as we set up the trash pick up, laundry services, shower trailer timers and propane delivery. We started with
onsite managers 24/7, but as we have come to know the schedules and routines of our guests, we have scaled that down to 12/7. The APD HOPE team is also doing drive-bys at night. Restorative Reentry Services (RSS) has also been doing check-ins with the guests during the day. Meals are being picked up by volunteers from Bean’s Cafe.
We are currently working through applications and interviewing more people who are interested in staying at In Our Backyard. It is our hope that all the cabins will soon be filled.
Prayers that more lights will be shining in the cabin windows soon.
Loave and Fishes,
Julie, Chair