“There is a harmony that exists in the space that is the Rebuild Center.”
Jessica Lovell, former case manager and current Director of Depaul USA
My work day starts when I round the corner of the parking lot and head towards the front entrance of the Rebuild Center. There, waiting for the doors to open at 8 am, is a line of men and women, somedays longer than others. A series of ‘Good Mornings’ and other ‘Hello’s’ take place as I make my way to the entrance. The crowd thickens approaching the front doors and, inevitably, one of our guests steps in to clear a path and push me (in my wheelchair) through the crowd into the Center and all the way up the ramp, then heads back out front to wait until 8am with the rest of the guests.
Since I have been at the Harry Tompson Center I have been so humbled by the generosity of our guests as people who have so little yet graciously give so much. Each day at the Rebuild Center I witness acts of selflessness and compassion between people- guests, staff, and volunteers alike. It is not uncommon for perfect strangers to advocate on behalf of their neighbor simply based on an understanding of the difficulties of homelessness and the complications that it causes. I feel like I have learned from so many to be a better person and to have a greater appreciation for humanity.
An example I want to share, not uncommon at the Center: on one of the first very cold days of the year, we were giving out winter hats just after lunch. After the last hat was given out a guy walked up and asked for one but was sadly told there were no more. Another homeless gentleman took the hat he was just given off of his head and gave it to the stranger standing in front of him knowing the temperature would fall to the 30’s at night. Sincere gratitude and thanks were returned in favor and I went off to try and scrounge up another hat, finding a scarf instead.
I like to think of the Center as imperfectly beautiful, unique, and balanced. There is a harmony that exists in the space that is the Rebuild Center. An abundance of acceptance and love (though often tough love) flows there and helps create an atmosphere which allows people to feel safe and seen. The high regard and appreciation that guests feel for the Rebuild Center, the staff, and the volunteers makes our job have immense purpose and meaning.
The flip side of this is also a reality. Many days at the Center can be a challenge, both emotionally and mentally. There is never a shortage of sad stories and sometimes seemingly unsolvable problems. Yet even on these days, Charlie shows up with a new ‘Everybody Loves Charlie’ drawing to hang in your office; Wayne shows up (you know he is in the building because you can hear his voice from inside) and he gifts you with laughter and love; Terry walks all the way to the Center on the day of your birthday just to wish you a Happy Birthday; and always there is someone who says ‘Thank You’…for saying hello, smiling, being kind, listening, being helpful, or just understanding during these difficult days. On this note I cannot leave out the incredibly loving, caring, and simply amazing people that I work with. They truly build my spirits (and others’) and make me a better person. There exists a small but mighty family at the Rebuild Center and I am both grateful and proud to be a part of it!
