Leading By Example: Bobbie Summers

Countless organizations, both local and national, serve those in need in Monroe County. In this series, the IDS will spotlight a group of people who do the tough, tedious work to make that service happen — the directors of these charitable organizations.

WHAT SHE DOES
Since 2007, Summers has headed Martha’s House, an emergency shelter for men and women experiencing homelessness.

The shelter, which serves between 250 and 300 people each year, does more than provide a roof.

“We help them stabilize their lives while they’re here,” Summers said.

HER PHILOSOPHY
“The quality of your life is only as good as the quality of life of your neighbor.”

HER MISSION
“Will we end homelessness? No. But we will qualitatively, positively affect the lives of people we work with,” Summers said.

WHY MARTHA'S HOUSE IS DIFFERENT
The average person stays at Martha’s House for 32 days.

In that time, the shelter helps them find employment and stable housing.

But unlike most shelters, Martha’s House continues assisting those who have left.

“There is a cycle of poverty,” Summers said. “It takes one catastrophe, and they’re back stumbling. We’re trying to intervene in a way that helps them get back on their feet and stay there.”

A NEVER-ENDING JOB
Summers works 8 to 10 hours per day, six days per week.
She has six other staff members that help run the shelter, which stays open 24/7.

HER #1 CHALLENGE
Money.

“The social service sector is the only model where the more demand for your service, the fewer resources you get,” Summers said.

WHAT KEEPS HER GOING
“I believe in what we’re trying to do,” she said. “I decided a long time ago that whatever I did, it was something that was going to give back to the whole.”

HER ANSWER TO HOMELESSNESS
“Prevention is key,” Summers said. “If you really invest and commit to helping someone from the start, then ultimately, that person takes much fewer resources.”

WHAT SHE WANTS YOU TO KNOW
“When people look at homelessness, there are those who just want to see it as a lifestyle choice,” she said. “But for the vast majority, it’s complicated. They find themselves here because marriages break up, jobs are lost, mental and physical health issues. Except for maybe those in that top 1 percent, any of us could be here.”

HER CURRENT GOAL
Summers’ aspiration is for Martha’s House to survive the current economy.
“What we’re doing now is more important than ever,” she said. “And it really does make a difference.”