Day By Day's "Gateway to Goals" Connects Guests Through Prayer Group

As printed in the Changing lives Day by Day Thanksgiving E-newsletter (November 2020)
by Molly Yatso Butz (Executive Director, Day By Day Warming Shelter)

Through the “Social Connectedness Gateway”, Day by Day works to create opportunities for guests to build a support network. Social connections can be hard to create and foster for many homeless individuals. Many guests coming through our doors lack the support of family, friends and community. 

Most Blessed Sacrament (MBS) recognized this need and wanted to provide support. A group of 5-6 individuals from Most Blessed Sacrament Parish come weekly to meet with guests over coffee, offering prayer and conversation, as well as an understanding and an open heart. 

MBS provides an open and safe place for guests to share their feelings. So far, the range of topics and emotions have varied greatly, always dictated by what guests bring to the discussion that morning.  

A few stories indicate the positive impact the support and prayer team is having.  (Initials are used to maintain privacy)

Guest FT opened up to the group one Tuesday morning about his transition to Oshkosh from Chicago. In his story, FT shared that until recently, he had never lived outside Chicago; however, he could not bear to stay, having lost multiple children to street violence.

Tears were shed as FT spoke from his heart to the group and shared his faith. Everyone taking in FT’s story offered support and condolences. 

Upon GM’s first morning in shelter, he shared his frustrations with his situation, expressing he did not know what to do as he had never been in this position before. The group supported GM with a discussion of hope, going around the room to offer each person a chance to express what hope means to them and what gives them hope to move forward.

GM also attended the prayer group the following week and he was incredibly uplifting to another guest who was in an emotional place. 

Most Blessed Sacrament member SR, who stayed with Day by Day in the past, felt called to come in and share her story of progress. Speaking frankly about her battle with addiction, transition to recovery, and her journey to find permanent housing, SR was uplifting for guests and she set an amazing example for others on similar journeys to sobriety.

Day by Day guests and MBS staff alike walk away from these weekly prayer groups inspired, humbled by stories shared, and supported as they head out for their day with a renewed sense of support and belonging. MBS is unwavering in reassuring guests that they matter, they are not forgotten, and ensure the lines of communication are open for prayer or a friendly ear.