So when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Beacon to lock down at various points throughout 2020, the ability for the men to interact with the community was hampered.

“That was one of the biggest obstacles,” Roe said as he reflected on the year of the pandemic. “When we had to lock our front door and not allow people in. When you think about all the people who volunteer and serve meals almost every night, we had to put an end to that. We did curbside, but we are missing that part where they come in and socialize with the men and get to know the men.

“We miss volunteers coming to the chapel — different types of entertainment, music, testimonies … that kind of stuff. That all was shut down. It has affected the mentally ill that live with us. Their feelings are more amplified. They are more emotional. Some haven’t been able to work. When we have done a lockdown, they are locked in for two weeks and then when another person gets sick, they are locked in again for two weeks.”

Right before Christmas, the shelter experienced an outbreak among the 30-plus men who live there.

Most ended up being tested for the virus. And fortunately, Roe said, none of the men became severely ill.

As of Jan. 22, no illnesses were reported at the shelter, Roe said.

What the pandemic did allow for was more one-on-one time with the men.

“It’s given us more time for one-on-one help,” Roe said. “We have more time to meet with every single guy, mentally or spiritually. If we had 50 some guys (as is the case in a normal year), we wouldn’t have that much time to spend with each individual. When we have 50 some that’s hard to keep up.”

Being isolated has a great impact on mental health.

“People get stuck in their heads,” Roe said. “The depression part of it for the guys with mental illness — that’s very heavy.”

Throughout 2020, Roe also made the decision to keep the Second Chance Thrift Store, 17 N. 11th St., closed while other businesses were allowed to reopen. The store is typically run by the men of the shelter and directly supports the shelter.

“Our Second Chance store — we made a decision to keep it closed longer than anyone else in town,” Roe said. “We were closed for five months. That affected our revenue.”

Fortunately, members of the community stepped up to show their support.

“I don’t know if it’s because of COVID but our donations are up this year,” Roe said. “We are very blessed by donations being up.”

Near the end of January, hospitalizations in Iowa were trending downward, as well as the 14-day positivity rates.

Roe was optimistic for brighter days ahead.

“Our last guy came out of quarantine last Saturday (Jan. 16),” Roe said. “We have been very fortunate that no one has been severely sick. The best thing of going through something like this is to grow and understand. I try to look at everything as a lesson and not a huge problem. Let’s say basic flu comes out — if we practice some of this stuff we are learning now, maybe we can avoid everyone getting the flu if we practice better hygiene and mask wearing and stuff like that. I think moving forward, I am just expecting that we will continue in this new normal until we are free of this.”