18 Mar 2005 Volunteerism colors homeless shelter FAIRFIELD DAILY REPUBLIC
  by Sarah Arnquist  

 

 FAIRFIELD - The luck of the Irish shined on the Heather House homeless shelter Thursday as it received an interior makeover.

About 15 people from the Vacaville and Fairfield Home Depot stores volunteered their time to spruce up the shelter with a new paint job.

"I believe in helping people that want to be helped and that's what this shelter is all about," said volunteer Cindy Keenan, who works at the Vacaville store.

"I'm not rich and I can't donate a lot of money, but I can donate some time."

Beautifying the shelter makes a big difference to shelter guests, said Yolanda Webb, a guest at Heather House.

"It's a little thing that gives us a brighter atmosphere and a little hope," Webb said.

Heather House provides shelter for 60 days to homeless families and single women. The shelter works with other nonprofit organizations to provide services such as counseling and employment training to help people reach permanent self-sufficiency.

Home Depot has been a wonderful community supporter, said Robin Weidman, a case manager at the shelter. She tells clients "just because you're in a homeless situation, doesn't mean you have to look homeless."

The same goes for the shelter, she said.

"Our model is to make it a safe and comfortable home for our guests because they have enough they are dealing with," Weidman said.

Reach Sarah Arnquist at 427-6953 or sarnquist@dailyrepublic.net
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