by Alyssa DePompa
Homeless in a small town
I am homeless but have done nothing wrong
Bills were paid on time, and our yard was vibrant with freshly planted flowers
The smell from our BBQ and sounds of children filled our home
I am homeless because the owner sold our home
We packed all our furnishings and watched our children choose smaller toys to keep out of storage
You see me at the grocery store, and we make small talk in the checking line
I walk away feeling a relief that for one more day no one knows I am homeless
We have mastered washing up in gas stations, taking more time than you, to make sure we have gone the extra mile to not look homeless
I drive down the same roads as you when we both pick up our kids from school
My wife pores over the paper praying to find a new place to rent
This routine leads to daily tears, I sadly watch them roll down her beautiful face
When the sun starts to set, we drive around to find a safe place to park
I place light blankets in our windows as my wife locks all the doors
With thick blankets wrapped tightly around us, I silently pray we can sleep through the night
For 6 hours a day, my children are the same as yours. They play on the playground releasing all the stresses that plague them at home
No one knows we are homeless
We have had the same jobs for years and our children always manage to adore a smile on their face
We hope to find a motel room for a night or two
The thought of feeling a soft bed to stretch out on, a bathroom just a couple of steps away, and the calming feeling of the warmth from our shower seems so far out of reach
We call around to each local motel
Praying that we will get to experience this luxury for just a night or two
The words seem to flow so freely from their mouths, we have no vacancies for the next few weeks
It will be another night of finding a safe place to park
We look for a semi lighted space for us to feel safe,
We must be out of the sight of others so we can avoid the midnight knock saying we have to leave again
I am still homeless in a small town
–Poem by Stefani Jackson
We all have dirty laundry. We think of it as a chore. But imagine how you would feel if you did not have the access, or the means, to wash your clothes. Sadly, many families are in this position right here in the Bitterroot Valley. Be it the pandemic, economic distress, or simply hardship, many have taken a new perspective on the ability to wash their clothes as less of a chore and more of a commodity.
Loads of Dignity founder and CEO, Stefani Jackson, a 10-year resident of the Bitterroot, has endured hardships in her life just like most of us. Feeling down and needing purpose, she asked God to provide a path forward. One day, after watching a homeless man give his dog the only bottle of water he had while running her errands and then doing her laundry, she had an epiphany. “Other people can’t do this,” she thought gratefully. Growing up in rural Texas, Stefani washed her clothes in a horse trough on the ranch and this memory sparked an idea. She shared her conviction with her husband and started brainstorming on how to help. With empathy and an initiative to provide a sense of dignity as the goal, Stefani hit the ground running. Researching, writing, printing flyers, visiting local businesses, applying for grants, and asking for donations, she dove into her desire to help those less fortunate. Thus, Loads of Dignity was born.
What a significant impact it makes to preserve one’s dignity when so many things have been lost or taken away. At the very least, kids can go to school with clean clothes and avoid being bullied so they are able to focus on academics. There is so much value in the kindness of strangers and the ability to listen without an agenda or judgment. Loads of Dignity honors recipients’ complete confidentiality and establishes stability for those in need by offering quarters, detergent, hygiene products, and kindness… all free.
Local businesses have been more than willing to help. Fast & Fluffy Laundromat at 115 Pine Street in Hamilton has become the hub for this altruistic endeavor. Businesses have donated soap and baskets, and volunteers started emerging through Stefani’s efforts. The majority of the donations have come from the generous members of the community, providing funds to put together hygiene bags as well as children’s bags, which were also started to alleviate the boredom of children and give them something positive to keep them entertained.
“Loads of Dignity also started offering shower vouchers four months ago and the full circle of dignity is finally complete,” said Stefani. “If you feel good, you carry yourself with more confidence.”
Loads of Dignity helps from 25 to 70 people each month. It has grown significantly in the three years since its inception. Donations and grants keep this non-profit afloat. The displaced renters and families are more than grateful for the help and the lack of judgment. Stefani informs, “Our homeless individuals/couples come and go. They are usually living in their cars, couch surfing and/or living in a camper trailer. Coming to the laundromat on a consistent basis is hard for them.”
An anonymous Bitterroot resident adds, “Laundry Love is a wonderful asset to our community, there is so much need here in the Bitterroot. Life is so hard for so many families these days. Laundry Love helps with the need of clean clothes and helps direct people to other services that they might be able to utilize. Such love goes out to those who are helped through this organization. It is truly a blessing!”
If you wish to donate to Loads of Dignity, donations can be taken to Fast & Fluffy, or you may visit the website at loadsofdignity.com or email Stefani at loadsofdignity2019@gmail.com.
