A Day at the Dignity House
Have you ever wondered what a day inside our transitional housing facility looks like for one of our guests? Take a look inside a typical day at the Wear Gloves Dignity House!
In the morning, guests have access to the kitchen where they can enjoy a cup of fresh coffee, grab a quick meal, or take the time to prepare a healthy breakfast before stepping into their day.
After breakfast, most guests head out to work. We help transport them where they need to go, including workforce training, doctor’s appointments, and interviews.
Anyone scheduled for workforce training in the morning rides together to our main campus. There, they work alongside advocates and mentors who teach and encourage them throughout the day.
Every guest’s schedule looks different. Many have jobs outside of Wear Gloves, including evening or overnight shifts. No matter their situation, we help them build a system that supports long-term stability, from learning to navigate the bus system to getting a bike, earning a driver’s license, or saving for a car.
Guests meet with their case manager, therapist, and financial counselor at least once per week. These one-on-one sessions help them set goals and work through challenges. For those in recovery, twice-weekly support groups offer community and accountability along the way.
Throughout the day, guests take part in activities like gardening, art therapy, and skills workshops. They also have access to our resource center, including a monitored computer lab where they can build resumes, apply for jobs, develop digital skills, and continue their education.
At any point in the day, a staff member is available. If someone has a question, needs assistance, or just needs someone to talk to, support is always close by. Our 24/7 team is trained in first aid, Narcan administration, de-escalation, and trauma-informed care, ensuring every guest is met with readiness and compassion.
As the day winds down, guests take care of shared responsibilities around the Dignity House. Both assigned and voluntary chores help build daily habits, strengthen independence, and develop practical life skills that extend beyond the program.
Guests gather for cooking class and communal dinners, creating space for connection, learning, and community around the table.
After dinner, guests clean up the kitchen and take out the trash, helping maintain a clean and respectful living environment for everyone.
Some guests spend their evenings watching TV in the day room, playing chess in the library, playing ping pong on the back porch, or simply relaxing as they prepare for their next day.
At the end of the day, each guest has a key to their bedroom, along with access to a hot shower and the option for late-night snacks before settling in for the night.
These simple routines help bring consistency and comfort as the house winds down and guests prepare for the next day ahead.
We asked Cameron, a graduate of the program, about his experience at the Wear Gloves Dignity House. He shared that “It helped me with the stability and structure I needed before going to be with my family.” He now lives with his family in a permanent home that he worked hard for.
This is the kind of progress we work toward every day, creating an environment where people can rebuild, move forward in their lives, and gain independence.
We Are INCREASING Our Capacity!
Starting TOMORROW, the Wear Gloves Dignity House is expanding from serving 12 men at a time to 18.
This is a big step forward for us and we are thrilled to be able to create more opportunities for those in crucial situations to move into safe housing.
While we are excited to have a full house, we also know this growth comes with increased need—more meals, more cleaning, and more staff presence to ensure each guest receives the level of care they deserve.
If you want to help us in this next step, we are asking you to purchase needed items from our Amazon Wish List, or make a financial contribution to our organization. Every donation makes a difference and helps us maintain a welcoming environment for the men walking through our doors.
To all of our supporters, we couldn’t do this without you. Thank you for being part of Wear Gloves and the Dignity House!