Too Good For Me
Kairos’ move to indoor premises late last year opened up opportunities. We wanted to create a more welcoming, comfortable environment to our visitors who had been braving it out in the cold for so long.
We built a shower, toilet and laundry facilities to enhance the services of Orange Sky for increased privacy and comfort.
We added couches and cafe tables to encourage conversation and community-building. A donation of carpet tiles added a layer of cozy comfort.
In the weeks following the new changes, we discovered something surprising.
We experienced a small drop-off of some of our Kairos regulars.
”I’m sorry, I can’t come back,” our volunteers were told.
It was an outcome we weren’t expecting. Why would nicer, more comfortable facilities make people NOT want to come back?
“It all looks too good for me.”
Turns out some people just found the change uncomfortable. They didn’t feel so much like they fit in. It took some reassuring that they’re family and we just wanted them to have a nice place to sit, have a coffee and a chat. It’s taking a little time, but they’re starting to come back.
