By Jodi Peterson-Stigers
Michael was fighting hard to hold onto hope when he first found his way into the portable classroom tucked behind Interfaith Sanctuary. This unassuming space is home to our Recovery Program, led by Terrence Sharrer—a man with the rare gift of making everyone feel seen, heard, and understood. It was here, surrounded by a community that believed in him, that Michael found the strength and safety to face his demons. With his own courage and the support of those around him, he began to reclaim his life.
As Michael’s recovery took hold, our team helped him secure housing, offering him a fresh start. But Michael’s heart longed for something more—he wanted to give back, to be the kind of support for others that he had once so desperately needed.
At the same time, Terrence was exploring new ways to empower our guests, particularly our seniors, who often face barriers to reentering the workforce despite their wealth of life experience, loyalty, and strong work ethic. What they lack isn’t ability—it’s opportunity.
Terrence discovered just such an opportunity with Easterseals’ Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). This transitional employment program partners with nonprofits and government agencies to offer hands-on job training for seniors, helping them sharpen their skills while contributing meaningfully to their community. Participants are placed in subsidized Community Service Assignments, working around 20 hours a week to gain the experience that can’t be taught in a classroom—real-world skills that prepare them for today’s workforce.
Terrence moved quickly to enroll Interfaith Sanctuary as a host agency, and soon after, Michael was signed up as a participant. Thanks to Easterseals SCSEP, Michael now works 20 hours a week right here at Interfaith Sanctuary, bringing his incredible talents and compassion to our staff and guests. Easterseals covers his salary, and we get the privilege of watching him thrive.
Michael’s journey has come full circle. From struggling to survive, to finding recovery, to now inspiring others—including fellow seniors—to believe in second chances. His story is a testament to the power of partnership, the value of every person, and the incredible things that happen when we refuse to let anyone be forgotten.
Shyloh was just eighteen when he first walked into Interfaith Sanctuary—young, scared, and no longer welcome in his family’s home because of how he identified.
Nicki, our Director of Project Well Being and a mom of two herself, quickly recognized Shyloh’s need for support. She brought him under her wing and invited him to join Project Well Being, our mental health program designed to help guests heal and stabilize.
At first, Shyloh simply sat quietly in the group sessions—watching, listening, but not yet ready to share. Our Well Being group is made up of individuals who have lived complicated, often traumatic lives. Many have grown children of their own, and when they saw Shyloh, they instinctively understood his need for safety and acceptance. They wrapped him in friendship, offering guidance and kindness, creating a space where he could just be.
Slowly, Shyloh began to come out of his shell, and as he did, we all got to see the bright, magnificent person he is. He started participating in group discussions, finding his footing in shelter life. One of Shyloh’s passions has always been fashion, so when Interfaith Sanctuary launched the Street Chic Boutique—a collection of high-end donated clothing for guests to choose outfits for special occasions—Shyloh took charge. He managed the boutique displays and became the resident stylist, helping guests pull together outfits for job interviews, court dates, or any moment they wanted to feel beautiful. Shyloh had an eye for detail and a heart for lifting others up, making sure everyone he styled felt confident and seen.
When Shyloh celebrated his 19th birthday with us, he began to talk about his future. “The best revenge is success,” he said—and that’s what he set his sights on.
Nicki connected him with the Idaho Youth Ranch’s YouthWorks program, an eight-week, paid, on-the-job training designed to give young people the experience they need to succeed. Through this program, Shyloh worked in retail, gaining hands-on experience in customer service, sales, and operations, all under the mentorship of a job coach. He earned a $720 stipend, built up his resume, and—most importantly—began to believe in his own potential.
After successfully completing YouthWorks, we helped connect Shyloh with TRIO, a federal program that supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing higher education. TRIO not only provided mentorship and guidance, but also scholarships to help make college a reality.
Today, Shyloh is preparing to start his next chapter at Lewis and Clark College—from a lonely, scared young person seeking shelter, to a fierce, determined man forging his future. His journey is a testament to his will, bravery, and the power of community partnerships to uplift and empower.
When Pamela arrived at Interfaith Sanctuary, she was not just facing homelessness—she was battling serious health challenges that required stability, care, and rest. Referred to us by St. Alphonsus Hospital, Pam’s medical condition meant that after every procedure, she needed a safe place to recover, a quiet room to return to, and support to help her manage the complexities of her care.
That’s where Interfaith Sanctuary’s Medically Fragile Program stepped in.
Our team worked closely with Pam to ensure she had everything she needed—scheduling her appointments, arranging transportation to and from the hospital, and making sure she always had a safe space to rest and heal in our hotel shelter. This stability became her lifeline. In addition to managing weekly doctor’s visits, Pam also underwent several important medical procedures during her stay with us. Without the safety and respite of our shelter, her recovery would have been nearly impossible.
But healing wasn’t the end of Pam’s journey—it was just the beginning.
Once her health was stabilized, we partnered with CATCH (Charitable Assistance to Community’s Homeless) to complete her housing assessment, setting her on the path toward permanent housing. Over the course of a year and three months, Pam remained in our medically fragile program, gaining strength and rebuilding her life one day at a time. During that time, she was placed on both the public housing and Section 8 waitlists, holding onto hope that one day she would have a home of her own.
That day came when Pam’s name came up for public housing. With support from the Linda Fund—which helps cover move-in costs and essential items for guests transitioning into housing—Pam moved into her new apartment, ready to begin this next chapter with the stability and dignity she had worked so hard to achieve.
Pam’s story is a beautiful example of what happens when health care providers, nonprofits, and community partners come together to meet people where they are and walk alongside them on the road to healing and housing.
Because everyone deserves the chance to recover. Everyone deserves a place to call home.