Safe place Archives

A Cup of Coffee

Posted on February 23, 2023February 24, 2023

By Val Roseberry

David Thorson worked at SPiN Café, and he is, incidentally, one of the finest people I have had the chance to work with. David on several occasions made this statement:

“Sometimes a simple, consistent cup of coffee is the only stability a person has in their life.”

*In a simple cup: dignity, comfort, stability. Maybe even something sacred.*

When people ask me what I do as a part time worker at SPiN Café, I tell them I pour coffee. Truly a large amount of my work involves the coffee maker. I try to do Bob Taylor proud. Bob is St. Stephen’s courageous and true unofficial guardian of the intimidating coffee maker in the kitchen. Each day my coworkers and I make pot after pot of coffee. 2 and a half scoops of grounds, pour water from the clear carafe, Voila!

SPiN awarded 3-year, $635,000 grant

Posted on February 12, 2023February 24, 2023

“Great news from SPiN Café,” the email began. That’s always worth an immediate look.

And great news it was.

SPiN Café Executive Director Michele Hines announced on February 5 to our partner churches that SPiN has been awarded a three-year grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) totaling just over $635,000. The grant is renewable annually after three years.

The funds will allow SPiN to lease our own location where we can serve our guests 7 days a week. We have not identified the place yet, but we’re searching for one that will allow laundry services and showers too, under one roof, fulfilling a vision that was born when SPiN was founded 11 years ago.

Our local Whidbey News Times covered the story on Wednesday, February 8.

How can you help?

Posted on October 4, 2022October 4, 2022

At SPiN Cafe, we rely on everyday support from individuals and businesses in our community. We need supplies for our guests, we need your volunteer time, and we always appreciate your financial support!

DOLLARS:
Donations welcome via PayPal on our website: https://www.spincafeoh.org/donate/
Or by mail to Spin Cafe, PO Box 2438, Oak Harbor, Washington 98277

A day at SPiN Cafe

Posted on October 4, 2022October 10, 2022

Have you ever wondered what we do here at Spin Cafe? What does Serving People in Need mean?

Upon opening at 6:30AM, people have started arriving by van from the Haven, with some folks already waiting on the porch for us to open the door. The morning staff person already has coffee ready, hot water on for tea or oatmeal, and cereal out for breakfast. There is a constant stream of people getting settled at their tables, washing up, and having breakfast. It is a busy time of the day for us.

A calm place, where humanity and dignity are respected, brings welcome relief.

By about 8:30, plans have been made for the day and many guests go about their business by catching the Island Transit or walking to Safeway, Walmart, Walgreens, the Garage of Blessings or other locations. Someone hops on a computer to check their email, social media or to look for information. At some point someone picks out a movie to watch.

Summer News: Dinners and a Garden

Posted on September 14, 2022September 16, 2022

by Michele Chapman

Along with the exciting return of SPiN Cafe dinners, this summer saw new growth of a different kind. Our afternoon staff member Amira was instrumental in the formation of the small garden area across from the front door of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church where we operate. She gathered quite a few SPiN guests, some materials, plants, and hard work to transform a neglected patch of ground into a beautiful giving area.