On November 24, 2024, we had a ribbon cutting ceremony for In Our Backyard. Bishop Tim Oslovich read a land acknowledgement, Vicar Zach Manzella blessed the cabins and land and Mayor Suzanne LaFrance gave a short speech and cut the ribbon. All of this work would not have been possible without the tireless work of the board of In Our Backyard: Steve Lambert, vice chair, Betsy Baker, secretary, and board members Betty Hertz, Carla Gage, Brad Erikson. Our support team is Carol Norquist and Vicar Zach. There has also been lots of behind the scenes work from Wes Tonkins, Stan Olson, Steve Wakeland and Shane Smith.
As we wait for the final inspections to be done, we have begun the interview process for the guests who will be staying in the cabins. Catholic Social Services is screening potential guests by looking at our criteria, checking the Coordinated Entry lists, and interviewing individuals to see if they will be a good fit. The Coordinated Entry (CE) list is a “tool designed to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness are matched with the correct resources, interventions, and potential housing programs.” (ACEH, https://www.aceh.org/about-ce).
Next, the potential candidates, along with their case manager, meet with myself and another board member. We show them the site and then go over the Program Agreement. After that, if both IOBY and the individual agree, a program agreement is signed. As of this date, we have interviewed six individuals. Four people have been invited to sign the program
agreement form. Now that electricity has arrived, as soon as the final inspections have been completed and the shower trailer filled with water, board members will have a “sleepover” to test everything and make sure all is in working order.
I am continually overwhelmed with the abundance of God’s love, shown through you all and your service to others.
Loaves & Fishes,
Julie Graham,
Chair of In Our Backyard