Rich in Community: A Volunteer’s Perspective

For Barbara Toman, volunteering at The Landing MN has become about much more than serving snacks.

Since first joining us in 2021, she has found a place where guests, staff and volunteers come together to form a genuine community built on compassion, connection and mutual respect.

In this reflection, Barbara shares what first drew her to The Landing MN, what she has learned from the community over the years, and why she continues to return each Monday. Read Barbara's perspective on what makes The Landing MN such a special place to volunteer.

“We hear a lot nowadays about the loss of social connections — about changes in modern life that leave people feeling isolated, distrustful and less involved. The Landing is a shining counterexample. The guests are experiencing homelessness yet inhabit a strong community: a community created by The Landing’s founders, the awesome staff and, above all, the guests themselves.

I didn’t expect to experience that sense of community when I started volunteering there. I was drawn to The Landing because I value the idea of meeting people where they’re at and offering them a safe place to land. I had volunteered at other places, and The Landing seemed like a very worthy cause. I guess I thought I’d just spend an hour or two serving snacks behind a counter, no big deal.

But from the moment I entered — this was several years ago, at the old fire station — The Landing felt different. It still does. I hear more ”please” and “thank you” when I’m serving guests there than I do at just about any other place I go. I see staff, volunteers and guests chatting, interacting and treating one another as human beings. People step up to lift heavy loads and hold open doors. There is a level of courtesy and decency that might surprise people who have never been there.

As one of the volunteers who serves snacks on a Monday afternoon, I am a small part of that community. It’s the guests and staff who make it happen. As individuals, we volunteers do our part for a sliver of time. Together, we support this community. It’s one of the honors and joys of my life to do so.”

— Barbara Toman, longtime volunteer for The Landing MN