b'DAYTODAY ACROSS THE STREETAllison EischerHope in the Hardest SeasonCreating space for joy and griefT he holidays arent happy for everyone.go a long way in helping our guests feel cared For many of the people we serve, they arefor in practical ways. hard. November and December can bring3.Decking the halls. Leading up to the holidays, up grief, trauma, or hurtful memories. Whileour staff puts in extra effort to decorate the much of the world is celebrating, our guests maymission and make it feel warm and festive. We be dealing with loss,hang lights, put up Christmas trees, and bring isolation, or the weightin seasonal touches throughout the building, of unmet expectations.making it feel like a welcoming place that feels At Mel Trottera bit more like home. Ministries, we aim to4.Making space for emotions. We also make approach this seasonspace for what our guests might be carrying with sensitivity by creat- emotionally. The holidays can stir up grief, ing a space that feelsregret, or painful memories. We remind our safe, dignified, and wel- team and volunteers to lead with compassion, coming, especially whenpatience, and flexibility. emotions are running high. Here are a few ways this can be achieved:This Christmas, as you plan events or outreach 1.A special Christmas community meal. Thisefforts, consider this: What if success this season year, were partnering with a local business thatisnt about how impressive the event looks or how is sponsoring the meal and bringing volunteersmany people attend, but about how well we care to serve alongside our staff. Just as we do everyfor the people in front of us? What if its measured day, we look guests in the eye, call them byby our ability to hold space for both joy and grief, name, and remind them that they matter.and to meet needs with compassion and dignity? We serve the meal restaurant-style to provideAcross the country, shelters are doing holy a more personal and dignified experience.work in hard places. The holidays are busy, but theyre also a chance to show our guests theyre 2.Hygiene backpacks and purses. We pass outnot forgotten. A meal, a smile, a welcoming hygiene backpacks and purses filled with smallroom, and a clean pair of socks can speak loudly. but important items like soap, toothpaste,And in a season that can be overwhelming or deodorant, and socks. These bags are donatedpainful, they can remind someone that hope is by generous community members, and theystill possible. \x03Allison Eischer serves as a marketing specialist at Mel Trotter Ministries in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With a passion for storytelling, she brings a unique perspective that captivates readers and inspires action to help make a positive impact in her community. You can contact her at allisoneischer@meltrotter.org.54 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025'