A Child's Haven

C.L.Jobe

Child’s Haven

Living in a big city you see all kinds of things. Dope addicts, prostitutes but worst of all are the young kids, walking the streets begging for something to eat or a place to sleep. I was very fortunate, I grew up in a loving home, I lived in a nice house and money was never a worry for me. I guess I was one of the rich kids who never had to worry where I was going to sleep or what I was going to eat. These kids on the street had no one; you could see the loneliness and despair in their eyes.

Some nights I’d go home with tears in my eyes, particularly when an 8 or 9 year old kid would approach with a dirty face, wearing rags and ask for something to eat. I was convinced that something had to be done and I was going to do the best I could to help them.

I bought an old three story warehouse in a rundown section of the city. The rooms were 80 by 80 feet and 60 feet high. The second and third floor had windows that started about 5 feet off the floor and extended to 5 feet from the ceiling.

Sunday dinner, my dad asked me what I was doing as I’ve been coming home late at night. It looks like you’re working in a mine, clothes full of dust and dirt.

Laughing, I’ve started a project to help street kids. I bought an old warehouse and I’m going to convert it into a refuge for them. I’ve been spending my time cleaning.

I’d like to see this place.

Well, come with me in the morning and I’ll show you what I bought and my ideas.

The next morning, Dad followed me to the warehouse. We parked behind the warehouse and entered through the back door.

Dad, let me give you a tour and I’ll explain my ideas as we go through the building.

Lead on; you don’t mind my comments as we go through the building do you?

No, I’ll be glad to have your comments.

I led Dad to the basement which had a concrete floor and concrete building block walls. I want to install shower stalls like they have in the national parks. I thought I’d put the showers along the east wall; figure I’d place a shower every 4 feet which would give me a maximum of 20 showers. I’d then divide the showers into two sections one for boys and one for girls. I’ll run a partition down through the middle for 40 feet; providing a private entrance for each side. Inside each section, I’ll have lockers, a place for towels and a hamper for dirty clothes. In front of the private lockers, I’ll place benches. On the outside wall, I’ll put clothing lockers where I’ll stock clean clothes. I thought I’d visit thrift shops, second hand stores and places like Salvation Army to get the clothes to fill the lockers. On this end, I’ll set up a commercial laundry as well as a few home type washers and dryers.

What about hot water and ventilation?

Each of the shower stations will have ‘on demand’ hot water. There’s a system that fits into the shower pipes and heats the water to a preset temperature as the shower is used. For ventilation, I‘m going to install exhaust fans in the area over the laundry with ventilators over the showers; I have the space since this area has a height of 60 feet. So what do you think?

It looks like you’ve given this a lot of thought.

I was thinking of designing the shower stalls with a small partition that would allow the occupant to place their towel and clothing in a section that wouldn’t be exposed to the water from the shower area.

Dad just shook his head as if in agreement. Leading up to the first floor, this floor is going to be the dining hall and common area. I thought of using picnic tables with benches along the walls for eating. I figure if I bought 30 6ft tables, I could seat at least 180 kids at one time. I’d place vending machines around which will be stocked with water, milk, juices and snacks. Along the back wall, I’d put a few under counter refrigerators, couple of microwaves, a couple of dish washers and a large sink, primarily for washing hands.

What about the floor, it looks like hard wood.

I was planning on having the floor sanded and then coated with some type of coating to handle the wear. I think that the floor will look good.

This room has a high ceiling, you good almost put in a second floor.

I think that’ll be phase 2. Let me show you the second floor where the sleeping models will be.

Walking up to the second level, so what are your plans for this floor?

"I’m going to borrow an idea from the Japanese’s cubicle hotels. Look at this picture; I’ll put a small drawer under each cubicle for shoes. I want to build them two high which would be approximately 9 feet high. Each cubicle will be 4 ½ wide by 4 ½ feet high and 7 ft long. They’ll contain a dorm mattress, a light, a small shelf and hooks along one side for hanging clothes. With a total height for the units of 12-14 feet, it’ll leave approximately 1 ½ feet for duct work to provide air conditioning. Between each cubicle there’ll be a 12 inch space that’ll be used to provide air to each cubicle. On one side of the cubicle will be the air inlet and the exhaust will be on the other side. Essentially the 12 inch space will provide sufficient space for 2 ducts. I’ll use ladders between the units so they can access their assigned cubicle.

I plan on having the windows sealed except for space at the very top so I can install reversible exhaust fans. I want to divide this room into 3 floors with each floor containing 112 cubicles, at one end there’ll be a relaxation area similar to our family room. On the other end, there’ll be rest rooms, storage for clean sheets, etc and a dirty clothes chute that’ll go directly to the basement. So what do you think?"

I see you have given this a lot of thought. Do you mind some help?

No Dad, additional help will really speed things up.

We’ll talk about it tonight. Don’t work too hard.

Later that evening over dinner, I listened as Dad told Mom about my plan. Mom just smiled at me, I saw the twinkle in her eye and knew she’d be in my court. Dad looked at me and smiled, I knew then I had his support as well.

The next morning when I arrived at the warehouse, I was met by two men. Are you Brad Williams?

Yes, how may I help you?

Your dad hired us to clean and seal the floor with a hard gloss finish. While the foreman spoke, I noticed out of the peripheral of my eye, 4 men taking machines into the building.

When they left that night they told me to stay off the floor and that they’ll be back the next day. At dinner that night I thanked dad for the help. It’s the least I could do. If you’re serious and evidently you are, I’ll help all I can.

The next morning, the crew was back. We’re going to coat the floor today. You’ll not be able to use that room for at least 3 days.

I thought, how can I continue my renovation? I needed to continue. When I was leaving that evening, I took the time to check out the loading dock. Taking a few minutes to check around that area, I saw a ladder that went down into what should be the cellar. Thinking, I’ll explore that tomorrow.

In the morning, instead of entering through the back door, I checked out the ladder at the loading dock. When I got to the bottom of the ladder, I found a sealed door. After getting some tools, I broke through the door and I was in the cellar. The previous owners must have sealed it for a reason. Now I can work in the cellar for a few days.

Taking some chalk, I laid out the showers, lockers, the partitions, the washers, dryers and the sinks. With that done, I now needed to do a search for the shower cabins. I knew getting lockers wouldn’t be a problem. Checking my watch, I still had time to visit some of the second hand stores.

That evening, I brought my mom and dad up to date on my progress. I laid out the floor plan in the basement and now I think I’ll ask those men who polished the first floor if they could polish the basement and then add a sealer. What do you think Dad?

I think that’s a good idea, I’ll give them a call.

Mom, I checked out a few second hand clothing stores this afternoon. I think I could probably get quite a few clothes there. I was thinking of clothes that could be worn by both boys and girls.

Brad, let me help with that. I feel left out of this project.

Mom that’d be great; I’m not sure what sizes I’ll need but I bought some t- shirts today and a few pairs of jeans. I’m not worried about the length so I concentrated on small waist sizes.

True to word, the floor crew showed up again with sanders and polishers. Of course the lines I laid out were destroyed. But I could always make them again.

When they left, I was told to stay out of the basement for one day. I was ok with that since the dining hall was completed, I ordered the picnic tables and contacted a company that made vending machines.

I wanted to concentrate on the second floor. I needed to brick up the windows, they were 50 feet high. I also wanted to begin the construction of the additional floors. I figured I could divide the 60 foot height into a total of three floors that would give me a total of 336 cocoons.

That evening I told my dad about my plans for the second floor. Dad, I need to start dividing the second floor into 3 floors of approximately 20 feet each. I also need a mason to brick up the windows. Do you know of any firms I can use for that? I could use a local contractor but I don’t know any.

Let me see what I can find out for you. How’s the floor on the first floor?

It looks great, they did a fantastic job. They also polished and sealed the basement floor. But maybe I was in too much of a hurry. We’ll probably have to break the floor for water and sewer lines. But I guess I can have them come in and do it over again. I’m going to order some equipment for the dining hall.

I see you’ve started to name the floors.

I think that’s the best way rather than the first floor or second floor. It denotes the primary reason for the space. I think I’ll call the floors where the cocoons will be installed the hives. I made that comment in jest but in reality it’s probably appropriate.

I was anxious to get to warehouse and start ordering material for the dining area. The tables should arrive today and once they are placed, I’ll know where to place the vending machines. I marked off the space for the counter and refrigerator across from the tables. The painters arrived and started to spray paint the walls. I received a call from the supplier of the vending machines and they acknowledged my order. Shipping would be within the next 7 days.

Calling my mom, Mom, could you purchase some kitchen equipment for me and see if they’ll deliver it to the warehouse.

Text me a list and I’ll see what I can find. I assume you want to have this as soon as possible.

At least within the next few days, I’m going to buy some cabinets. Then I’ll have a place to put the equipment. Thanks, Mom.

I ordered the overhead kitchen cabinets and one under counter cabinet. I needed space under the counter for dishwashers and refrigerators. The question now was how much space I’d need. Taking a ruler I visited an appliance store and noted the width and depth of several pieces of appliances.

That evening at dinner, Mom told me what she had looked at and her suggestions. I need to get counter tops but I also need to design the kitchen area, do you think you could come and help me?

OK, I’ll go with you in the morning. I’m quite anxious to see this project of yours.

The next morning, Dad drove mom to the warehouse. When we arrived I saw a lot of people hanging around. I guess with the workers coming and going last week stirred up some curiosity. I wonder what they’ll think, when it’s complete.

I showed my mom around explaining what my ideas were and how the building was going to be utilized. We started in the basement and worked our way up to the second floor. I showed her a picture of the Japanese capsule hotels. This is what I’ll install on this floor.

Going back to the ground floor, the back door open and a man entered, We have some picnic tables for a Mr. Williams. My dad and I both answered simultaneously, I’m Mr. Williams.

Laughing, This is the Mr. Williams you want to talk to; he’s my son and the owner of this building.

I showed him where I wanted the tables to be placed, which he did within 30 minutes. What do you think mom?

I like the idea. Good place for kids to eat, maxim utilization of the space. Yes, I think that’ll work perfectly.

Mom, here is where I want to put the dish washers, refrigerators, microwave units and the sinks. I plan on putting cupboard above to hold dishes, glasses and cups. Silver ware will be in a drawer under the counter, in fact there’ll probably be several drawers. I can’t wait to open this place. There are so many needy kids.

I know you have a passion to help these kids; I saw several on our way here. We’ll help you to expedite the finishing of at least the first two floors and basement.

I’m not sure what transpire when my parents left. Late that afternoon, a man showed up asking if I was Brad Williams. I acknowledge that that I was. He asked if I could show him around and to tell him what my ideas were concerning the rooms. I wasn’t sure if I should do that but I didn’t see any harm so I showed him around. When we were finished, he asked what time do I normally arrive in the morning, I told him I’m usually here at 8 in the morning. He thanked me for the tour and left.

That evening at dinner, I told my dad about this man coming to the warehouse and asking to be shown around.

Was he about 6 feet tall, white hair and a black mustache?

Yes, I thought it was odd, white hair and a back mustache.

That’s Abe Carver, he’s an architect and a friend of mine. I asked him to go and look over the place, get your ideas and get back to me as soon as possible. I thought with all the changes you’ll be making it wouldn’t hurt to have plans that would guide your thinking and any workmen that you employ to help.

Thanks Dad, he should’ve introduced himself. There was a moment I thought he was from some agency that could’ve stopped me.

Actually, I should’ve told you he was coming. Don’t be surprised who shows up, just ask them who sent them and they’ll tell you if it was me or if it was an agency.

The next morning, I checked to see who made the cubicles that I’d need for the bedroom area and the showers for the first floor. There was a knock at the door followed by, Is anyone here?

I opened the door and there was a man dressed in coveralls. Your dad sent us; we have a load of bricks and lumber. Is there a back way into the building?

I nodded and asked that he followed me, taking him out the back door; I showed him the unloading dock. He thanked me and went back out the front door. I hung around the loading dock waiting for the truck. In about 15 minutes, the truck arrived and began unloading the bricks and lumber. I signed the delivery paper and called dad. Dad, they made a delivery of bricks and lumber today.

Yes and tomorrow masons will show up to start closing up the windows. Abe has a draft of the renovations and I’ll show them to you at dinner tonight.

True to his word, masons showed up with an architectural plan and began working on the windows. While they were doing that; Abe showed up with a plan for the basement; it laid out all of the piping and ventilation. He made a suggestion for the area where the shower rooms were located, cut the drain into the floor and then a grate could be placed over the top to permit water to move to a sump at the washer area. I thought that wasn’t a bad idea and told him that. He showed me the layout of the basement, highlighting the shower area, lockers, sinks, commercial washers and dryers, smaller washers and dryers and he included a commercial pressing machine that could be used to iron any size clothing, sheets, etc. I liked the plan and told him. The next thing I knew, he was talking to someone on the phone. Smiling, he shook my hand and left. The next morning, not only did the masons arrive but also men with pneumatic drills and a carpenter. The men with the drills went to the basement and marked where the drains would be. If someone could look down from the ceiling they would see the layout was identical to the drawing Abe had shown me.

The noise was very loud. The men wore hearing muffs that deadened the sound, but you could hear it on the second floor. The carpenter started to lay out the second level, what I referred to as 2A. He looked at my idea of the cubicles and made some notations on a sheet of paper. Before he left, I showed him the kitchen area on the ground floor. He made some notes again and told me he’d be back in the morning.

I was anxious to get to the warehouse in the morning to see what was accomplished and who was going to show up. Although my dad arranged for these workmen, I made it clear that I’d pay for their services and not my dad. When I arrived at the warehouse, although it was only 7 am, the carpenter was there with a truck load of wood. I-beams and several men. He showed me Abe’s print, We’re going to start on the second level making another floor.

I was delighted to hear that and for the first time I felt that this project will become a reality. The basement drains were finished by the end of the week and tested. I didn’t need to look for shower stalls as Abe had designed a stall and submitted it for bids. The first four arrived one week after the floor drains were completed. For the next several days, shipments of the shower stalls arrived in sets of four. By the end of the week, they were put in place and ready to be hooked up to the water and drains. I had ordered the lockers and they were coming in Monday of the following week. The lockers for the personal effects, I bought from schools who wanted to update their sport lockers. I liked these because they looked like train lockers, you need a key to insert into the door lock. Once the door was closed, you could remove the key; once the door was open you could not remove the key. The carpenters helped to install the lockers.

That evening at dinner I was getting excited as I told mom and dad about all of the activity at the warehouse. Brad, you’re going to have to come up with a name. You can’t keep calling it the warehouse.

Yes your right, what do you think I should call it?

Why did you take on this project?

Because I wanted to provide a safe haven for the street kids; where they can be fed, sleep safely and not have to depend on strangers on the city streets.

There are other words for a safe place. Maybe you should check them out and select one.

I thought about that all the next day. I was sitting at a table in the dining hall when I heard water running. I quickly went to the basement and saw they were testing the showers. Smiling I went to one of the men, I think it works great, what do you think?

As soon as the electrician installs the heating elements, you should be ready to take a shower. By the end of the day, the electrician came and asked what temperature I wanted to set the shower water.

I think a comfortable temperature would be 130 degrees. What do you think?

I’ll set one at that temperature and you can test it and see if it’s ok. I can adjust it either way.

I went into the basement with him and watched as he set the temperature on the heater. As soon as he turned the water on, the indicator light on the heater came on and within a few minutes, the water was at temperature. For me it was a perfect temperature. I think that’s perfect what do you think?

He shook his head as if in agreement and proceeded to set all of the rest at that temperature. One of the carpenter’s men came and asked me where I wanted the lockers. Where are the lockers? and was told on the loading dock. Exiting the dining hall I went to see which lockers arrived. All of the lockers had arrived; I showed him which ones were to go on the right wall as one looked toward the showers and which ones went on the left wall. Two of the carpenters had just finished building the separation walls and where working on the enclosing the area with doors. What this did was make a large private room with the showers on one side and a small toilet area on the opposite side. It took three days to install all the lockers and finish off the toilets and the front of the shower area, which were now called shower rooms.

It took an additional week for all of the equipment for the basement area to arrive and be installed. At least now I could open the basement and dining hall to the kids. Sleeping was still a problem until the second floor was finished. The cabinets and counter arrived the following week along with the vending machines. I told my mom that the vending machines had arrived; she took it as part of helping and called several supply houses. She negotiated a supply contract for juices, water, and snacks. I still needed to find a dairy that would deliver milk on a daily basis. Dad had said I should put in a walk in cooler in the basement and I could store milk as well as any other cold product there. I thought that was a good idea and after contacting suppliers of cold rooms, I ordered one.

The basement was completed to the point I could offer the kids a chance to take a shower and possibly have clean clothes. Mom started to bring clothes to be placed in the lockers. She had a black permanent ink marking pen and marked the lockers as to what they contained. I ordered 10 cases of towels which I sent out to be laundered. That would be the last time, as soon as the commercial laundry is set up, we’ll wash our own towels.

I was pleased to see that the basement was finished and would provide a safe place for the kids to shower and change. In the dining hall, I had the electrician install soft lighting directed to the tables and counter area.

The second floor division was coming along quite well. They installed duct work in the cross beams for conveying air to the room and cocoons. The ceiling of 2B was almost complete, but they still had to lay the floor.

Although the building was not complete and 2A did not have any cubicles installed, the dining hall and the showering rooms were ready. I had a sign made and one of the carpenters nailed it over the front door, Sanctuary. I was ready to open the doors for the street kids. Thinking that if anyone comes, they’re going to be hungry, I walked to a pizzeria that was one street over. I bought two large meat pizzas and headed back to Sanctuary. On my walk back, a child maybe 8 or 9, ask if he could have a piece of my pizza. Hunger was in his eyes, Come with me. At first the kid was hesitant, I assured him that there were no strings attached and I had no intention of having sex with him.

As we entered Sanctuary, I steered him toward a table. When he sat down, I opened the pizza, go ahead and eat. The kid looked at me with tears in his eyes, Thanks.

Showing him the vending machines, Go and get something to drink.

I have no money

You don’t need money; just push the button.

He looked at me in a strange way, but went and returned with a carton of milk. What’s your name?

They call me Pat, but my full name is Samuel Patrick Casey.

Ok Pat, my name is Brad Williams. I call this place Sanctuary because I want it to be a safe place for the children who have to live on the street. When you’re finished eating, I’d like to show you around.

When he had eaten all of the pizza, I couldn’t believe nor figure where he put it, we went on tour. Showing him the showers, he asked if he could take a shower. I nodded in the affirmative and showed him the lockers where I had some clothes. Pick out a shirt, pants and socks that’ll fit you, place your old clothes in the hamper and when I have enough they’ll be washed. When you are done, come upstairs.

I cleaned up the dining hall, and waited for him to come upstairs. About 20 minutes later a very clean boy appeared in front of me. I’m sorry do I know you? For the first time, I saw a smile. If you’re ready I’ll show you the rest of the place.

We went to the second floor where I showed him where the cocoons would be installed. I explained to him what a cocoon was and that I had planned on having several in this room as well as the two rooms above.

Once the room is done, I can sleep here?

Yes, you’ll be able to sleep here. You’ll have your own cocoon.

I like that idea, it beats sleeping in doorways.

Is it going to cost anything to eat and sleep here? I don’t have a job.

Well you could help out here. For example you could do the laundry or keep the dining hall clean. How about going to school?

I’d love to go back to school, but I’d need my school records, birth certificate and a letter of transfer. How would I get that info?

Give me some information and we’ll see what can be done. How about we go and get you a pair of shoes?

Walking to a small center a couple of streets over from Sanctuary, Pat walked close to me. What’s the matter?

That guy tried to pick me up today and I ran from him. I’m afraid.

You don’t have to be afraid when you’re with me.

The man in question looked at Pat and made a sneer. Got yourself a man, you little gutter snipe.

Pat was going to say something; I placed my hand over his mouth and shook my head no. We kept on walking, until I saw a policeman. There’s a man back there who is trying to pick up Pat with sexual intent. The guy saw me talking to the police, and started to walk away. When he looked back and saw the police walking toward him, he ran. Pat just laughed.

The shoe store was one of those discount stores. We bought several pair of sneakers of different sizes. The clerk wanted to know if I was starting a sports program. No, but I plan on equipping a lot of kids with shoes.

Here’s my phone number, give me a call with the sizes and I’ll put some aside for you. I thought that was very nice of him, thanking him, we left. As we passed a garbage bin, Pat dropped his old shoes, or what was left of them.

On the way back I told him about Sanctuary. I’ll lock the door at 9:00 and reopen at 7:00. If you come back after 9, ring the bell and someone will let you in.

I’ll just walk around for a while and then I’ll be back if that is ok? Sure

He left with a bottle of water, smiling. About 2 hours later, the door opened and a boy, I’d guess to be 16, entered with a girl who looked like she was 14. They asked if they could come in, they met a kid who told them if they wanted something to eat and a place to sleep, to come here. Showing them where to sit; I asked them their names and if they were hungry. Of course the answer was yes. While I order something for you to eat, would you like to take a shower?

You’re not going to try anything creepy are you?

No, I’ll show you where you can shower and I may have some clothes to fit you as well.

I took them downstairs, showed the young man the boy’s shower and the young girl the girl’s shower. I gave them each a towel, showed them where to put the towel when they were done and to pick out any clothing they wanted from the marked lockers. If you want to keep the clothes you have, put them with the towels and they’ll be washed for you. When you are done, come upstairs for something to eat.

I ordered two pizza’s for delivery and waited for the children to come up stairs. The delivery came before they were finished showering, I think the smell of the pizza made them hurry and finish.

They knew about the vending machine, Pat must have told them. With their drinks they sat and ate their pizza. As we chatted they told me their story. Their parents had died from an accident, hit and run, rather than take the chance of being separated they ran away. I asked them what their names were. The young man said his name was Jeff and his sister’s was Beth.

What can we do to be able to stay here? The outside isn’t good for my sister and I’m running out of money.

You both can stay here but I don’t want your money. Provided you stay drug free, you can stay here and pay for it by doing chores, for example you can take charge of the shower area for boys and your sister can take charge of the area for girls. Those areas must be kept clean and properly sanitized to prevent a buildup of fungus. The toilet area will need to be cleaned daily as well. As more boys and girls come, duties will change. Does that sound fair to both of you?

Jeff shook his head yes, I need to go and get the rest of our clothes. I’ll be right back.

Beth, while your brother is gone, could you help me?

She nodded her head yes, I gave her a sheet of paper and a pencil, explaining I wanted to know each of our guests."Put Pat Casey on the first line, your name and Jeff’s on the second and third line. If more people come in, I’ll send them over to you and you can add their names to the list ok.

I was amazed at the number of kids that came that day. I kept ordering pizza for them, the delivery boy asked why so many pizza’s, I explained what Sanctuary was all about and until I was able to set up a kitchen, I had to order pizza.

It was 5 when Pat returned. I thanked him for getting the word out; he said he was glad to do it. He told me how some guy was trying to pick up one of the boys for sex. I told him I knew of a place where he could go that didn’t require sex. The man was angry but the kid decided to follow me. He’s that blond kid over there eating pizza.

Pat you did a good job today. Do you think you could get those kids over to Beth, she’s sitting over there, I’ve asked her to record the names of each kid that comes to Sanctuary?

Looking over the small crowd, I called everyone’s attention. They quieted down, this place is called Sanctuary. It’s meant to be a safe place for you, but there are some rules. If you want to be here, the rules are simple. No drugs, no smoking, no stealing, no alcohol, no fighting; if you can abide by these rules you’ll be welcome here anytime. The doors are locked at 9 and reopened at 7. If you wish to enter after 9, ring the bell and someone will let you in. This is meant to be a safe place and you can help make it a safe place. If you want to take a shower, Jeff will show you where to go, if you’re going to spend the night, you’ll have to sleep here in the dining hall until the bedrooms are finished. If you have any questions, I’ll answer them for you. Do any of you have any problems with these rules?

One boy raised his hand, If I get a part time job, must I pay to stay here? No

There were no more questions. Those who want a shower follow me.

Most of the boys followed Jeff. Pat, go over there with Beth. If a person is staying the night, mark it on the sheet, as soon as the cocoons are ready you can show them how they work and between you and Beth, you can assign them to a cocoon.

I placed one of those large laundry carts like they use at hotels at the end of the stairwell to the second floor. Pat took a look and he knew exactly the purpose of the cart. It was obviously I was going to need more help. Pat can you also ask the ages of our guests, we are going to need more help. I’ll see if the older ones want to help before we select from the younger group.

When I locked that door that night it felt strange. I had a small bedroom I carved out of the first floor. And that’s where I slept.

I woke up at 6 in the morning. When I walked into the dining hall, Jeff was sitting there. You’re up early Jeff, didn’t you sleep well?

Why are you doing this? This costs money and how are you going to keep Child Services from interfering.

To answer to your first question, I’m doing it because it hurts me to see the depravity of young children living on the street. Selling their bodies in order to eat or to find a place to sleep. It isn’t right and so I’ve decided to do something about it.

What about Child Services

You needn’t worry about Child Services but we do need someone to provide help in the form of counseling. I’m not a counselor; at best I’m just a humanitarian.

Jeff, would you like to take on some additional responsibility?

What do you want me to do? I’ll help if I can.

If I give you some money, could you go to the store and buy some breakfast meals. We can use the microwave to heat them. Also see if you can find me a cup of black coffee.

I gave Jeff 100 dollars and told him to spend it all on breakfast. He saw one of the boys coming into the dining hall, Come with me. I’m going to get breakfast.

Jeff returned with several shopping bags filled with cereals that came in its own bowl, egg and sausage sandwiches and frozen waffles. Of course he had a large cup of coffee for me. I looked over my first group and I was happy but I also recognized that we’d need a kitchen. There was an old shack at the back of the building. I took several of the older boys with me, I’d like to clean this shack out and then turn it into a kitchen. Pizza is ok, once in a while, but it doesn’t provide a balanced meal. Would you all like to help?

In 4 hours the shack was cleaned, even the cobwebs were gone. I called in a carpenter who lived in the area, showed him the shack and told him what I wanted done. I may need some help. Do you have someone to help?

Just let me know when you want to start, and I’ll have a work crew for you.

A week later, Mr. Fortson called and said the lumber and roofing material would be delivered this afternoon and I’d have to pay for it. That was fine with me, Boys, the wood for the shack will be here this afternoon. Volunteers will be needed.

I asked Jeff to ask the older boys if they wanted to help Mr. Fortson remodel the shack into a kitchen. In just a few minutes, Mr. Fortson had 5 boys to help him with the remodeling.

The carpenters continue to work on the modifications to the second floor. Abe called and said he found a manufacture of cubicles in Japan who would build the units to our specifications and ship them to the States. I was delighted to hear that and authorized Abe to go ahead and order 126 cubicles.

The carpenters had built the shoe boxes for the cocoons. They reinforced the cocoon support for the second layer. As soon as the cocoons were installed the kids would have a place to sleep. Pat was excited when I told him that I had ordered the cocoons. And Beth asked why I called them cocoons. I told her that they were like butterflies that needed a cocoon to mature into beautiful people. She thought the idea was beautiful.

Floor 2B was finished and I told Abe to order 126 more cubicles.

I contacted a plumbing firm, and had showers, toilets and hand sinks installed on the front left side of 2A. We were able to install 7 small bathrooms. I also had the carpenters build a double wide cabinet for clean sheets and pillow cases. When I knew exactly when the first 126 cubicles were to arrive, I’d order the dorm mattresses and hospital pillows. Hospital pillows had a plastic cover that could be cleaned and sanitized as necessary.

Pat made sure everything was in working order and I think he had already selected his cocoon. At first I was going to provide a separate cocoon area for the girls. Recognizing that the cocoon was a secured sleeping place, I’d let the girls decide. I could always put them in a separate row and even on a separate floor.

The ventilation system was installed and all that needed was to tie in the duct work for each cocoon.

By this time, the kitchen shack was almost done and the number of kids was beginning to grow. Mom had taken the responsibility of getting the clothes and my friend at the discount shoe store was keeping me supplied with shoes. The pizzeria was sending over pizzas that got cold, or they couldn’t sell at the end of the evening, or the orders that got mixed up. These were delivered till the pizzeria closed at 10. Pat would sit up and wait till 10 to make sure no pizza went to waste.

The day the first cocoons arrived was a happy day. Pat and Jeff took the responsibility of assigning cocoons to those who wanted to stay the night. The numbering system was simple. The units were numbered 1 though 8 each row would identified by a letter. There would be 7 rows of 8 units, so for example the first row would be row A, the first cocoon at the bottom would be identified as A11, A is the row, 1 is the bottom and 1 is the first cocoon.

When I laid out the plan, I left a space at the rear of 2A for the kids to relax. Eventually I’ll install some games and a small library. But for now, the room is empty. In front of the cocoons, as you enter the room, on the left there were the bathrooms and on the right there were linen cabinets and a chute for dirty clothes and bed linens. The chute went directly to the basement.

When the kids were in the dining hall ready to eat, "the cubicles will be ready in the next two days; I’ll need your help in placing the mattresses in the cocoons, making up the beds and distributing