It's not a good day at the shelter, even for a Monday. One of our residents passed away over the weekend from a drug overdose. She was 26. She'd been in and out of the shelter since she was 19. Sometimes she brought her children with her. Other times, like this most recent stay, they were in DHS custody. Staff members who knew her say that WAA was the closest she had to family.

There's a memorial service planned for tomorrow afternoon, where staff and residents will be invited to share prayers, poems, songs and memories, and to say a final good-bye. Having started here only a few weeks ago, I didn't know this particular woman; I've heard her mentioned at staff meetings, but can't put a face to the name. I keep thinking that here in this building are most of the people who did know her, and who know and care that she's gone.

It's a strange, sad day. Life goes on here as it always does. It's just another burden to bear for these women who, like their deceased sister, have endured far more than anyone should.