Sister Nancy Schwieters has been a volunteer at Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc., in Davenport, Iowa, working as a computer lab monitor, helping shelter guests with computer skills and filling out job applications. She also has helped with the organization of supplies of clothing, bedding and toiletries. Sister Nancy said, "It's difficult, sometimes, to face the very real pain that some of our guests deal with on a daily basis. For me, it can help to put it in the words of a poem."

Sister Nancy organizing donations at HMSI.

Everyone is "The Exception"
by Sister Nancy Schweiters

As I enter my office on a frigid January morning, my co-workers and I shiver and complain about how cold it is, about getting our of our warm beds and having to warm up our cars. Some of us turn on little space heaters under our desks. Sometimes coats, boots and scarves are left on as we sit at our computers, sipping our hot drinks as we work.

Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc., in Davenport, Iowa.

Then I think about Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. (HMSI) which the Sisters of Humility established in 2008 that supports adults facing housing crises. I think about people without a home during this Iowa deep freeze--no bed, no gloves, no warm drink--who can find shelter at HMSI. I praise God for the Sisters of Humility and their caring presence in this community. (You, too, can help by clicking on the donate button on the right).

They're of a Color
by Sister Nancy Schweiters

Sister Nancy in the computer lab.