People helping people.
That's what Haley House is all about. Fostering relationships. Connecting. Sharing. Backgrounds and hierarchy melt away. We are all one. Moving toward a common goal. Mutual respect for all.
Jon Klein
What is your role at Haley House?
My role has evolved in the 14 months I have been here. At first, my two major duties were to work in the Soup Kitchen several times a week, and gathering food for the Soup Kitchen and the Live-In Community from a variety of sources. Currently, I assist with catering in the Bakery Café about 25 hours a week, while continuing to help in the Soup Kitchen.
What brought you to Haley House?
A bicycle brought me here from Richmond, VA. I decided almost 30 years ago to dedicate my life to service. For most of these years, I did not pay rent or a mortgage. I stayed with friends on a rotating basis, who were glad to help me as I was helping the community, being the administrator for a series of nonprofit organizations I started. I wanted to try communal living, searched the Catholic Worker website, and chose Haley House for a variety of reasons.
Favorite dish at HHBC, Soup Kitchen or Noonday Farm?
Occasionally we get some incredible food from our Food Bank. One time, a seafood company had a huge shipment they had to get rid of in a hurry, and we were able to serve delicious lump crab meat cakes in the Soup Kitchen.
Favorite downtime activity?
Working out.
Favorite or most memorable HH moment?
At my first shift in the Soup Kitchen, we ran out of prepared food. No guests had arrived during the last 15 minutes until right before closing, when several came in and asked if there was any food left. I wasn't sure what to say, so I looked to our Shift Head who said, “Nobody goes hungry on my shift.” And he began preparing some quick meals. I liked that attitude.
