By Susan Williams
STAFF WRITER

In their new building, Covenant House staff members are serving more clients than they did in their former location.

Is the building a draw or are there more needy people?

One longtime volunteer believes poor people need them more than ever. But the pleasantness and the space available in the new building clearly attract people.

After nearly 19 years in a small house on Quarrier Street, Covenant House staff moved into a building constructed just for them. Connie Weaver, who has volunteered for the last 20 years, said she remembers packing up boxes when the planes crashed Sept. 11, 2001. The new facility has been open almost one year.

Co-founder Patricia Hussey said in the old facility women often felt like they had to run a gauntlet to get in the door. There were many men hanging around the front door area.

Hussey with Barbara Ferraro founded Covenant House in 1981 to address the problems of homelessness. Many local churches and synagogues helped them open the facility on Quarrier.

Weaver said, "Mothers are more comfortable bringing their children here now."

At the new building, a waiting room, with books and toys for children, welcomes newcomers. "We try to give every child a new book if we can," Weaver said. "In the other place, we did not have a space for children."

Phil Hainen helps clients who need emergency assistance. If a parent is inside his office, the office is surrounded by glass windows. So a child could continue to play in the waiting room under watchful eyes.

In July 2001 at the old facility, staff members had 1,466 contacts with clients for a variety of services. Last July, they had 1,501 contacts with clients.

Weaver believes more people are turning to Covenant House because of new welfare regulations. "But this place is also an oasis," she said. "People feel safe here."

Clients can see sets of washers and driers as soon as they step through the main door. They can also use the handicapped-accessible shower facilities.

The detergent for the washers and toiletries for the shower room are provided. Weaver said anyone who visits a motel or hotel and brings back soap and shampoo samples could donate them to Covenant House.

They can always use donations of food, clothing or money.

"Yellow is a good color," Weaver said of the warm color painted on the inside of the facility, too. "The space makes a difference, too. Folks don't get in each other's faces here like they did before. They are also more willing to come and wait here to receive help."

They operate under the same guidelines at the new place that they did under the old, so they have not expanded services. "We offer what people need to keep themselves together," Weaver said.

They also provide a postal drop for clients. People can present identification with a picture on it and receive their mail. They also have a locked box for anyone who wants to put checks and food stamps in a safe place. "If people live on the fringes, they need this kind of security," Weaver said.

They offer free phone services. Clients can call for jobs or medical needs. "They can also call Mom and say 'I'm OK.' Touching base with families is so important."

Students at the beauty school provide free haircuts. "It makes a difference in how people feel about themselves," she said.

People can receive clothing and groceries at Covenant House. They can also get help with rent and utilities.

But someone must show proof they are about to be evicted. Covenant House cannot help someone meet monthly rent obligations.

Hainen helps with emergency assistance. David Bennett works with people who have been homeless long term.

Co-founder Barbara Ferraro provides pastoral counseling on a sliding fee basis.

They also provide services to people with AIDS and HIV at the facility.

"We try to welcome everyone," Weaver said. "The world does not always deal well with them. We try to see you as a person. We can do that better here in the new place."

To contact staff writer Susan Williams, use e-mail or call 348-5112.