Volunteer of the Month: Robert Cairns

Rob Cairns first began volunteering at Utah’s Place in 2016 after learning from then board member, Yvonne Turner, and co-founder, Joanna Robinson, that the shelter was looking to introduce a volunteer spiritual support group.

“We mainly stay quiet and just listen to people and give them a voice, and that in itself sometimes works miracles,” explained Rob. “If a guest wants to talk about their spirituality or religion, we are happy to go there with them, but we do not necessarily talk about that; it’s basically supporting their spirits and knowing that someone cares about them and that what they think and say is important and worthy.”

For the last few years, with the exception of covid, Rob and other spiritual support volunteers have faithfully visited the shelter and opened their hearts and minds to anyone who needed it.

“After guests get to know me and trust me, some of the things they share with me are pretty personal and deep, deep seeded things,” reflected Rob. “Some of the guests there they just boggle my mind, what they have been through, the things that they have gone through, what they have accomplished in the past, their intellect and insight on things, it has really expanded my consciousness and awareness.”

Rob’s consciousness and compassion for those experiencing homelessness comes easy, as he himself has been in their shoes. For years, Rob intermittently struggled with addiction and homelessness, never knowing for sure if he would have a warm bed in a shelter or be sleeping under the stars.

“I camped for a while and would find a land way out, and sometimes I would have to move every once in a while, if someone found me,” he shared. “And then another time I would stay wherever I could, sometimes in people’s couches, garage, basement, or anybody that would take me in. I managed to get over my addiction issues and steady work and went through the steps of sharing a room in a house, getting my own apartment, and then stepping up until I was able to buy a home. One step at a time, it is an arduous journey.”

Rob’s journey back to housing and sustainability led him to giving back. On top of volunteering, he is a member of Hospitality House’s Hearts & Hands Club, giving every month to ensure the shelter can continue to respond to the greatest needs. Rob and his family recently moved to Santa Fe, but he hasn’t stopped thinking about Hospitality House. To ensure help will always be available for those who need it, including in the long years after he is gone, he joined the Hospitality House Legacy Circle by naming the nonprofit as a beneficiary in his will.

“An organization like Hospitality House meets the most basic needs that people have,” he said. “Starting from the very bottom, physical safety, food and shelter and a sense of belonging and a sense that someone cares about them, these are basic human needs. You can’t really fulfill people’s higher needs until they begin to fulfill their basic needs. That’s really to me the most important thing of organizations like Hospitality House. They are starting from scratch to take care of people …”

Thank you, Rob, for caring for Nevada County residents and lending your ears to those who need help being heard.