‘Peace House Community Journal’ Archives
The person in there
Peace House Community ”“ A Place to Belong By MARTI MALTBY This December I got to lead the annual Homeless Memorial March, an event that honors those who died in the past year who were either homeless or formerly homeless. It was the fifth time in seven years that I led the March, an honor I received because I carry Luna, a huge “puppet” mounted on a backpack frame. Luna has become the symbol of the March and all for which it stands. When Luna rides on my shoulders, she”™s about 12 feet tall. The March ends at a church where we hold a service memorializing those who have died. As participants file in, I scramble out from under Luna while two other volunteers lean her against the wall. As you might expect, something as big as Luna is quite heavy, weighing in at maybe 70 pounds. A couple of years ago, as I emerged from Luna”™s robes, I heard someone express surprise that I had carried her during the entire March. They [...]
Celebrating Peace House people
By Mike Hazard MIKE HAZARD James, Tony, and Janette (left to right) focused on a haircut Tony kept saying, “Don”™t be afraid.” Don”™t be afraid Janette, a retired psychologist who counseled couples (and who”™s losing her hearing and was always letting couples know they were not hearing each other), was giving Tony a haircut at Peace House while James advised. “Don”™t be afraid,” Tony kept saying, “to press really hard with the shaver. Don”™t be afraid.” She was doing good, but she was afraid of pressing too hard. After awhile, James took over. The intimate trio was entertaining, and serious. Everyone wanted a good haircut. James explained how to cultivate a wave, how to shave a face. Tony nicknamed Janette, Jean T. Jay. It was a scene that embodies the blessed heart of Peace House. People doing good together. MIKE HAZARD Peace House manager Marti typed in his office [...]
Peace House Community Journal – Where is your living room?
By MARTI MALTBY When Sister Rose founded Peace House Community, it quickly became known as “the living room on Franklin Avenue”. Sister Rose wanted anyone who walked through the door to feel like they were going to a friend”™s house where there was acceptance without invasive questions. People could share what they wanted or not share as they wanted. While PHC has maintained Rose”™ focus on hospitality and making everyone feel welcome, a recent comment by one of our community members reminded me that what counts as “welcoming” varies greatly. The comment came during a discussion about the three things you would want with you if you were stranded alone on an island (assuming the island had enough food and water to sustain you). The community member put up his hand, and with a big smile on his face, he said, “Nothing. I wouldn”™t need nothing. You just described Heaven for me. Having what I need and not having to [...]
