August 8, 2025

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"We had a reason to celebrate last week. I was reading through the Open Heart Refuge staff log, and I noticed a note from one of our Shelter Coordinators that stated one of our remaining original guests, a 61 year old woman, was no longer a member of our Core Group of 20. I reached out to our staff, fearful that something had happened to her, because I knew there was no way she wouldn't be there to claim her bed. One of our Shelter Coordinators quickly allayed my fear when she responded with words that never get old:

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'She no longer needs to stay at the Refuge;

she found permanent housing.'

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Indeed, this wonderful person who gave rides to other guests, always greeted staff and volunteers so kindly, who absolutely adored Twix candy bars, and shared her resources with others (with the exception of Twix candy bars) now has permanent housing nearby. Although we'd love to hear the words of secured permanent housing more frequently for all our guests, and more quickly, we'll never take for granted the journey our guests take to finally step through the doorway of a home that is their own." 

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-John Bost, OHK Executive Director