Fresh Start for those on the street

On any weekday morning, just before 9, a dozen or so men and a few women gather in the chill, waiting for the doors of Fresh Start to open. This faith-based, nondenominational warming center, dedicated to serving the city’s homeless, occupies a low, square building at 418 Coeur d’Alene Ave. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.

Beyond the door, warmth, hot coffee, snacks, an opportunity to shower, wash clothes and a chance to just talk offer a temporary escape from gray sidewalks and biting cold. The idea for Fresh Start began six years ago, when Gary Edwards visited a soup kitchen at Coeur d’Alene’s First Presbyterian Church and came face to face with the hungry and homeless. Edwards, who had spent his professional life as a musician, teacher and social worker was moved to take action.

“It didn’t seem right,” he said, “that people had to live under bridges,”

With the support of the local Kiwanis, he began the adventure that would lead to the opening of Fresh Start. He said that it took six years to complete the paper work, raise money and find a location.

The mission statement reads, “Our purpose is to serve the homeless, abused and mentally ill.” The intention is “… to break the cycle and realize a fresh start by looking not only to their physical needs but also addressing their spiritual and social needs.”

Howard Martinson, retired from a management position at Verizon, came to Fresh Start as a volunteer shortly after its opening. A man who obviously does not believe that retirement means doing nothing said, “I just couldn’t stay away. I kept coming back.”

A year ago, when Edwards asked him to become executive director, he accepted. He receives a small salary and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses but said he returns most of his salary to the organization. “Clearly,” he said, “I am not into it for the money.”

Financial help to keep the doors open comes from a variety of sources, according to Martinson. He said that Fresh Start partners with St. Vincent de Paul and the Dirne Clinic. Money also comes from grants – including one from Fred Meyer. United Way and churches contribute, and checks “just appear in the mail.” Local businesses also have stepped up to help. The clothes washer and dryer were purchased with the aid of Home Depot and Allegra Printing contributed brochures.

When people ask, “What do you need?” Martinson replies with a smile, “Prayers and stuff.”

And, what kind of stuff?

“Tea, sugar cubes, packaged crackers and cheeses, peanut butter, noodle soups – the kind that comes in a cup and you just add hot water. If fresh food is donated, we turn it over to the soup kitchen,” he said. Blankets and clothing are also welcome. He adds that there is a great need for soap, dental care items, toilet paper, feminine hygiene items – things most of us take for granted.

In addition to showers and laundry, Fresh Start also offers the use of phones, a computer, and one Saturday a month, doctors are available. A small room has a television set, a couch and chairs. City Link schedules are on hand. A soup kitchen operates on Saturdays and last year served 10,000 meals. There is a church service offered on Sunday.

Success keeps Edwards and Martinson going. Martinson tells of a couple who, a year ago, were homeless, in trouble with the law and doing drugs. With the help of Fresh Start they were able to turn their lives around. Martinson said that today the pair has worked out their legal problems, are drug free, working, have a home and pay taxes.

He also tells the story of another couple who were struck by a car in a crosswalk on 14th Street. After being hit they walked the 10 blocks to Fresh Start’s location.

“We discovered the woman had a broken leg. Can you imagine walking that far on a broken leg?” Martinson called an ambulance that took her to the hospital.

The public often assumes that homeless people are without jobs or income. According to statistics Martinson quotes, 40 percent of homeless people have regular jobs but have no place to live. Their earnings don’t provide enough money to pay rent. They live in cars, tents, under bridges and “couch-surf,” the practice of living, for brief periods, with various friends or relatives.

What pushes people over the edge into homelessness? Many things – illness, loss of job, mental illness, abuse and once the downward spiral begins, one misfortune may lead to another. Martinson cites a client whose car broke down and he had to leave it at the curb. By the time he came back, the car had been towed. He didn’t have the money to recover his car from the towing company, and he lost not only the car but all his possessions that were in the car.

Edwards and Martinson have more plans for Fresh Start. A new project, beginning this winter, is a nighttime warming center, staffed by volunteers from local churches. Doors will be kept open when temperatures reach 10 degrees. While there will be no beds, the center will offer sanctuary from the cold.

“We need at least two people on duty each night.” Martinson further emphasizes that this year, the night warming center is an experiment. For example, if more room is needed than the present location offers, local churches are discussing opening space, particularly for women and children.

The two men have a plan for sometime in the future when they have a center that will provide beds and small rooms for the mentally ill. Until then, Edwards, Martinson and volunteers will continue to offer support to those whose lives are in crisis.