Tri-Town Shelter Services' clients share their feelings

"I am a recovering alcoholic and by being in Tri-Town I always felt “safe”. I am in early recovery and by having someone to answer to on a daily basis worked great for me. Tri-Town Shelter should be an example to other States. The patience and compassion of the staff goes way above and beyond. Hopefully some day I will be working with you for addiction counseling and be an advocate for the homeless. The worst things about the shelter is having to leave." John 2008

"The best things about the shelter is the staff. They helped me to become a sober and stronger person and I will always be grateful." Cheri 2008

"The best part about being at the shelter was that it gave me time to get my life ordered and to have goals for down the road. The staff are the greatest in the world." Client 2008

"Staff showed that they really cared and helped in every way. They taught me ways to get back on my feet. They met my needs, farther than my wildest expectations. The worst thing is that you couldn't stay longer." Robert 2008

"I really felt comfortable about my stay and the structure is needed. Staff are good at what they do and they really care about you. The most helpful change in the program would be more staff like the ones who are here." Malcom 2008

"Everyone is so nice and the staff will drop anything if you need to talk. It is very clean and I think the program is very helpful just the way it is." Client 2008

"My stay at Tri-Town gave me time to get some direction in my life. The staff that work there are good hearted people." Barrett 2008

"The best part was getting all the support and resources I needed to get on my own. Other programs should take a long hard look at how this one is run and take some of the ideas to make them better." Lori 2008

"Being at the shelter I had peace of mind and could focus on the things I needed to do for myself. Thank you for giving me a safe place to stay. I wish there were more places like this." Robin 2008

"The best thing was the ability to have full access to the shelter faculty and facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The most helpful change in the program would be adding a work placement program that would be run by the shelter staff." Scott 2008

"The best thing was the level of care the staff shows and the living conditions. This is by far the best shelter, hands down." DJ 2008

"The thing I like the best was staff attitudes and the most helpful thing was being able to talk to them. I think there should be a once a week dinner for all to attend for a chance to get to know each other." Judy 2008

"This is a very homey shelter, the best one I have been in. The living conditions and staff are really good. The worst thing is having to leave." Carmen 2008

"I really like the place. It is a place where you can start your life over. The nest thing was the people." David 2008

"I'm very glad of the opportunity that the Shelter gave me and my significant other. You guys have really been great and this is by far the best shelter I've ever been to. Thank you for allowing me to stay." Mark 2008

"The staff's ability to be a source of help to transition into stable housing is the best. The length of stay should be 3-6 months so that clients can adjust to other agencies waiting periods and processes." Raleigh 2007

"The best thing about the shelter to me is/was the right foundation to get back on track with my life and enormous support toward my goals. I truly am blessed to be here and continue to do what you're doing. Anyone who doesn't receive anything out of this program is evidently not ready for a change and the enthusiasm that it brings." Olantha 2007

"I met some wonderful people here and the staff is excellent. I was respected, supported, and most of all, happy to be here. TTSS is the best." Diane 2007

"Staff have been very helpful to meet all of my needs. They have been pleasant and heart warming as people. The family like atmosphere was the best thing at the shelter." Client 2006

"I was at the lowest point in my life with little things pushing my lower. I was treated with respect with no putdowns. Thank you for your assistance in my time of need." Client 2006

"Staff helped me and reassured me. They openly and professionally gave me information on resources to assist me with my situation. I truly am so very fortunate to have been allowed to stay at Tri-Town with my son. Thank you for everything." Derek 2006

"By far this is the best shelter I have ever been to even though I've only been in two, I can't imagine a better situation." Client 2006

"The staff are very helpful and as informative as they can be. I must say, I appreciate Tri-Town for all the help that they are giving my family and myself. And I just want to thank them for taking us in and welcoming us with warm and open arms." Matthew 2006

"It is the safest and nicest shelter I have ever seen. Plus it has helped to put me on the right path in my life. The structure it provides is helpful." Guy 2006

"The staff are caring and compassionate and go above and beyond in helping. My stay has given me my life back and I now have a good job. I have structure to build on and am getting ready to move on. Thank you very much." Mary 2006

"I think you are great! Thank you for being here for me. The treatment of the clients builds self-esteem rather than making one feel the “stigma” of being homeless." Sue 2006

"Just leaving rehab this has been great for me. Not having to leave during the day and being on the streets was the best thing for me. I rated the staff 4 but I would give a five to two of them. They are very understanding and fair. They go beyond the call." Vance 2006

"The staff shows a lot of understanding and caring to people who are going through a very hard time in their lives. That makes the transition a lot easier to deal with." Carolyn 2006

"The best thing si that Tri-Town Shelter has given me a place to stay so I can get back on my feet and be self-sufficient. This is what a homeless shelter should be like and other shelters should be more like." Rick 2006

"I was treated with dignity and respect despite me circumstances. Compassion and caring runs deeply at TTSS. People listened and genuinely appeared to care. They were helpful in every way." Roxanne 2006

"This place is very nice to be in. The staff is very nice and they are caring people. Thank you very much for helping me a lot. The level of staff kindness, involvement, and treatment of me was excellent. I was always treated with compassion, empathy, and dignity." Linda 2005

"It was a pleasure staying here. The staff was very nice to me and helpful. You are the best shelter. The shelter is run really good and I thank you for being here for me." Kim 2005

"Everything about the shelter was of high grade of service. I will miss Tri-Town with all of my heart. If I could make one improvement, it would be to open more Tri-Towns." Roger 2005

"I just wanted to write a little note to let you know how thankful I am for all the considerate things you have done for me and my son. You have also made Christmas a really nice one for us. I just wanted to let you all know that we are truly grateful."                                                         S.M., Mother and T.D., Son

"I would like to use this occasion to extend to you and your families my most sincere and heartfelt wishes. I thank all of you for your contributions to my continued success in my goals, namely acquiring employment and obtaining a place to live on my own. All of you have been of assistance in these goals. The Service Coordinators untiring devotion to her duties left no stone unturned in exploring options in many different areas. The understanding and advice from other staff during difficult times greatly eased my burden when all seemed lost. They have been very supportive and the Director always gave me a thumbs-up for a moral boost. Soon I will be moving and I just wanted to thank all of you formally.  Once again - you guys are the best."                                                                                G.S., Male resident

A 2005 resident wrote these words in a card she left for the staff to find in her former room at Tri-Town Shelter Services.

"When I didn't have my own blood family to turn to, you opened your hearts to me. I do not know what I would have done without your kindness. I am so very thankful that I met each one of you and appreciate the kindness, warmth, and caring you all extended to me and my unborn child. This experience was the closest I have had to a "family" in quite some years. When my baby grows up, I'll be sure to let her know how many people watched over her while she was being created.  She will know you as I know you, .... as my family!"

These words were written in a card to our Service Coordinator by a former resident during 2005.

"The first day I spoke with you on the phone, you sounded so concerned with my well-being and you did not even know me. I called about 12 numbers before I called Tri-Town Shelter and you were the only person who asked me what happened. I do not know why my life took this bend, but I want you to know that while I was here you provided me with not only shelter, but with a place I could call "home." You've given me peace of mind and a sense of security I haven't had in forever. Running away from problems is never really a good solution, but I must say, I am glad I ran away to you and the entire staff. I feel like I am leaving someplace very special, and I know I will miss all of you."