Beyond a Bed – Interfaith Sanctuary

By Jodi Peterson-Stigers and Molly Balison

You’ve probably driven past this building countless times. You know the one—just off the Connector’s River Street exit, adorned with a striking mural. Its walls bear the name Interfaith Sanctuary, surrounded by words like respect, community, dignity, and compassion.

This is the home of Interfaith Sanctuary, where we’ve been providing safe shelter since 2007. Inside this converted warehouse, we welcome up to 170 guests each night. The stories held within these walls are as varied and profound as the people who find shelter here.

By night, we offer a safe place to rest for those without homes. But Interfaith Sanctuary is far more than just a bed. By day, we deliver life-changing programs that foster well-being, recovery, hope, opportunity, and pathways out of homelessness.

In this year-end issue of WOTS, we’re proud to share stories from our guests—tales of connection, hope, and transformation.

Building Hope- James’ Story

James never saw this coming. He had a steady job at Sherry’s in Meridian, but when his rent increased, his salary could no longer cover his expenses. He lost his housing and ended up sleeping behind the restaurant. When one of the managers discovered what was happening, they approached James and suggested he consider Interfaith Sanctuary. That manager had once written a college paper on the shelter and was well-versed in its programs and services. Taking their advice, James reached out to Interfaith Sanctuary and has been staying there for just over a year.

During his time at the shelter, James worked hard to regain stability after the trauma of losing his home. He has built a strong community of support and, in turn, become a pillar of support for others. Always eager to lend a hand, James is known for his generosity and willingness to help however he can.

In October, James learned about the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Construction Career Launcher program offered at the shelter, taught by a CWI instructor. With some prior construction experience, James saw this as an opportunity to reignite his path forward. He completed the course, earned his certificate, and was invited to interview with Guho Construction—the contractor building Interfaith Sanctuary’s new shelter on State Street.

Nick Guho, the company’s owner, personally interviewed James. During their conversation, Nick emphasized that this was more than just a job—it was a pathway to a stable and fulfilling career. The Guho benefit package includes a competitive salary, health insurance, a 401(k), and company stock, offering a foundation for a brighter future.

James impressed the Guho team with his determination and charm. He is now onboarding to begin his new career and is thrilled that his first project will be helping to build the very shelter that supported him through his most challenging times.

Reflecting on the experience, James shared, “I’ve been through some tough times, but this feels like a fresh start. Working with Guho isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to rebuild my life and give back to a community that gave so much to me. It’s pretty amazing that my first project is building the new shelter for Interfaith. It’s come full circle.”

James felt so scared and alone when he arrived at our shelter but the Interfaith Staff showed him that they care about him and the Career Launcher gave him back his hope. Interfaith Sanctuary gave him the tools he needed to rebuild his life and now he will build our new shelter!

Just Mad – Heather’s Story

Heather came to IFS seeking shelter and safety. After she arrived, she observed all the work it took to keep the shelter running day to day, was curious to help, and began volunteering in the laundry room. As she slowly found her footing and started to express and speak up for herself, she realized the anger she harbored from surviving domestic violence. A staff member asked her to attend our Just Mad group—an anger management class and support group. Once Heather came, she liked it and kept attending. And then she invited and encouraged others to join!

Heather wanted to learn how to communicate to meet her needs more readily, and speak and act in ways that created more safety—to help her protect herself physically and emotionally. As she continued attending Just Mad, Heather also joined Project Well Being and the Art Collective, which gave her a chance to focus on her photography—a life-long passion. Heather saw the value in being part of a group. Coming into the group environment, she said, “is a healthy thing… In these groups, to have the freedom to be able to talk, to open up… It’s not easy. Ya’all see me cry when I do it because it’s hard….But when you do, it takes some of the burden off your soul. We all help each other heal.”

Now, to support others, Heather is partnering with a couple other guests to help Interfaith develop its programming. With these guests, she is launching a new support group for people living with chronic pain. Having experienced chronic pain much of her life, Heather understands the daily physical, mental, and practical challenges that pain creates for people. She wants to help. Heather says of the power of Interfaith’s groups, “I love these groups. They’re a safety net. Participating in them has been the best thing I could have done for myself, ever.… I’ve pulled people in here and said, ‘You gotta come in!’”

Finding my Purpose – Jeff’s Story

Jeff Chapman came to Interfaith Sanctuary seeking a safe place to stay and support on his pathway to sobriety. After a first failed attempt at remaining sober, Jeff’s determination brought him back to Interfaith seeking support in his recovery. Interfaith’s Project Recovery supervisor, Terrence, agreed to let Jeff rejoin the classroom on the condition he fully engaged in discussions and counseling sessions.

Interfaith Sanctuary’s on-site recovery program, Project Recovery, helps guests overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. Managed by professional staff, it offers group and one-on-one counseling, peer support, fitness, nutrition, and a 24/7 safe space. The program’s holistic approach also includes activities like art, music, and pickleball, all within a safe, supportive environment that fosters self-sufficiency and long-term recovery.

For Jeff, Project Recovery gave him a safe foundation and the support he needed to rebuild his life. When Interfaith launched their on-site food service training program, Jeff was one of the first to join. Through a Department of Labor initiative, Jeff was paid for his excellent work which allowed him to save enough to move into a home of his own.

“I put everything I have into that food trailer. I have found my purpose. I want to help support this community and make food that makes them feel good. Once I was given a way to be useful, it gave me a purpose,” Jeff said. “I didn’t want to drink; I wanted to help.”

Today, Jeff serves as the Food Service Training Supervisor at Interfaith, where his personal journey has uniquely qualified him to guide and inspire others on their journey to finding purpose and stability.

The Power of Music – Zach’s Story

Zach arrived at Interfaith Sanctuary quietly, keeping to himself during his first few weeks. One evening, he overheard a group of guests singing in the overflow room and discovered Project Sing, a weekly jam session led by local musician Bernie Reilly. Project Sing brings guests together in a joyous celebration of community through song, offering healing through music. Intrigued, Zach joined in and it didn’t take long before the rest of the group realized Zach wasn’t just a participant but a talented musician. Music had once been the cornerstone of Zach’s life, but he’d lost access to it, and with it, a part of himself. Discovering Project Sing was a pivotal turning point for Zach, and soon a donated guitar made its way into his hands, reigniting his passion. With music as his anchor, Zach began to thrive at Interfaith, becoming a source of inspiration and encouragement for other guests.

One evening, a traumatic medical incident at the shelter required guests to step outside into the cold while the medics worked. Tensions ran high, and in a moment of inspiration, Zach grabbed his guitar, stood amongst the guests and began to play. The offering of his music calmed the crowd, bringing comfort and peace in a moment of uncertainty and fear.

“Music has this incredible way of bringing people together and lifting them up, even when things feel impossible,” Zach shared. “ That night, I realized how much I still had to give, and how much healing it brought me too.”

Interfaith Sanctuary became a safe space for Zach to rediscover himself and find healing through the power of music. He quickly regained his footing and, within a few months, moved into his own housing. Today, Zach frequently returns to Interfaith with his guitar and his kind spirit, sharing music and hope with the guests, just as it was once shared with him.

Impact ad Opportunity – Sandy’s Story

Being in and out of prison felt familiar to Sandy. He came to Interfaith hoping to separate himself from the lifestyle that entangled him. Sandy was surprised by the compassion and kindness the Interfaith staff extended to him. After seeking shelter for a month, Jeff, a past guest who oversees the Food Service Training Program invited Sandy into the program Sandy was ready to do something meaningful that would keep him out of old habits.

“They’ve shown me that there are tools available and resources,” Sandy said, “I just have to be willing to ask for help instead of being stubborn and saying, ‘I’ve got this on my own.’” Interfaith Staff has helped Sandy overcome the hurdle of finding a job. Currently, he’s interviewing with restaurants using the experience that the Food Service Program equipped him with.

Interfaith’s on-site food service training program provides guests with the opportunity to work alongside Interfaith’s Food Crew to learn meal preparation, trailer cleanliness, inventory systems, and food safety. A key benefit is that guests can prepare and serve meals to their community, helping build self-esteem by becoming part of the solution. The program also partners with local restaurants to connect graduates to job opportunities. For guests like Sandy, it’s a chance to contribute to the shelter and make a meaningful impact.

The program allows guests like Sandy to contribute to the shelter and do something bigger than themselves by preparing and serving meals to those in need. “Interfaith has given me the opportunity to become successful in the community.”

Sandy was used to people stereotyping him but the Interfaith Staff showed him that they care about him and appreciate the skills and dedication he has to offer. This changed everything for Sandy. His goal is to land a job and find his own home sweet home!

I Got my Spark Back – Viola’s Story

Viola Crowley never expected to be forced out of her home, but in the blink of an eye, she was couch surfing. After five years of homelessness she found her way to Interfaith Sanctuary and 2 months later she joined Project Well Being which gave Viola her spark for life back.

“When I found out about the Well Being program, I thought, ‘I want in. I need this. I need to take care of myself.’ The support groups kept me grounded, and the staff’s support helped me get stable and eventually housed. Interfaith Sanctuary has done so much for me. It’s literally saved my life.”

Project Well Being, Interfaith’s on-site mental health program, connects our guests back to the things that bring them hope including; support groups, art therapy, music, fitness, meditation, counseling, medication management and writing. It is also home to our newspaper, “Word on the Street,” which amplifies the voices of our neighbors currently experiencing homelessness and those who have been stably housed.

Today, Viola is part of the Project Well Being staff at Interfaith Sanctuary where she leads support groups and helps connect guests with the same resources that helped her find her own way back to a place she can call home.

Road to Healing – Mike’s Story

Mike arrived at Interfaith struggling with his sobriety after trying plenty of other AA programs. Four months into staying at Interfaith overnight, he joined Project Recovery and it set him on the road to healing.

“I got more out of that than I did in any other program,” Mike said. “They treated me like gold and they met every need I asked for.”

Project Recovery is our 7 days-a-week programming which provides group and one-on-one counseling, peer support, fitness, nutrition and a 24/7 safe space to help them maintain their road to recovery.

In six months, Mike had gotten sober and Interfaith had helped him secure social security, along with glasses and dentures. Today, Mike is two years sober and is on the pathway to stable housing. Leaving his old lifestyle behind has empowered him to rejoin the community and inspire others on their journeys to recovery through leading groups for Project Recovery. Mike’s story is a testament to what is possible through commitment, hope, and determination.

For guests like Mike, Nights of Shelter provide support beyond a bed. We provide our guests with a safe place to land and the support they need to work back to stability. In six months, Mike got sober with Interfaith’s support, securing social security, glasses, and dentures. Now two years sober and on the path to stable housing, he’s inspiring others in recovery by leading groups for Project Recovery. Mike’s story shows the power of commitment, hope, and determination.

Finding a Voice – Gerri’s Story

Gerri always had a heart for the homeless population and wondered if she would ever understand unless she was part of the community. After a spinal surgery costing a quarter of a million dollars and becoming a single parent supporting dependents, the security of her middle class life was unraveling.

When it was all too much, she packed up her house in Hyde Park, left it behind walking down Harrison Blvd one last time and took to the streets. “Part of me knew that you can’t know what people are actually going through unless you’re in it,” Gerri said. She befriended unhoused folks who took her under their wing and was introduced to Interfaith.

Gerri expected to be out of a home for 6 months, but it turned into 3 ½ years. In that time, her case manager helped her sort out piles of paperwork to get on disability, assist her in finding medical care for her and her disabled son and connect her with people who could help her move into transitional housing. One year into her stay at Interfaith, Executive Director Jodi Peterson-Stigers asked Gerri if she would like to be part of a panel discussion about her journey into and out of homelessness. Gerri found her voice that day and has been using it ever since.

When Gerri arrived, the Word on the Street was just being established by Project Well Being. This Newspaper is a collection of personal narratives, artwork, poetry, and reporting on social issues in the Treasure Valley and beyond. Our newspaper addresses the stigma of homelessness and its material consequences while also providing a platform for people to tell their own stories. Our purpose is to raise awareness and motivate the community to create change that benefits all of us.

Gerri joined the weekly meetings to become a contributing writer. She writes boldly and authentically for the paper in hopes of leaving an impression on readers that will impact the way they view homelessness and tragedy.

She said that one of the best things she took away from her experience at Interfaith was being “coaxed into stepping out of my comfort level and being a voice for the community. I’m really shocked at how well my art has been received.”

“I know I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.” Right now, she lives week to week trying to get by. In the future, she hopes to re-open her own business to support herself and her family. And of course, keep writing for Word on the Street.

For guests like Gerri, Nights of Shelter provides support beyond a bed. It provides a place to share stories. Gerri was given a platform to reach an audience and challenge perspectives. Word on the Street gives guests a voice to share their experiences, destigmatize homelessness and shed light on each of the stories living under one roof.

For guests like James, Viola, Heather, Mike, Sandy, Zach and Jeff, Nights of Shelter provide support beyond a bed. We provide our guests with a safe place to land and the support they need to work back to stability. For some, their time with us is brief—a temporary pause on their journey. For others, their challenges run deeper, requiring extended care and support. Our guests grow, learn and heal through our programs and services. When we help them find their path forward, the transformation is life-changing for them and deeply inspiring for all of us.

15,000 Nights of Shelter

Give the gift of shelter this holiday season by sponsoring a night, a week, a month or a year and help us hit our goal of 15,000 nights of sponsored shelter by the end of the year.

The cost for a night of shelter and a day full of possibilities = $35

When you sponsor a night, a week, a month or a year of shelter your donation is going directly too safe shelter every night and our life changing programs everyday. Your dollars are helping us to provide more than just a bed. Your dollars support well being, recovery, education, job training, employment opportunities and moving our guests from homelessness into housing of their very own.