By Jason Klaiber

Staff Writer

At Sarah’s Guest House, quilts provide warmth to those who step through the door even more so in an emotional sense than physical.

On Jan. 13, eighth graders from Eagle Hill Middle School will make their way to the guest house at 100 Roberts Ave. in Syracuse to gift a quilt they spent time crafting over the past several weeks in Robin Brenner’s family and consumer sciences class.

During a discussion on possible recipients of the quilt, the daughter of the guest house’s Development Specialist Renée McCaffrey suggested her mother’s workplace because of the nonprofit’s tradition of lining the hallways with quilts.  

“We have quilts sprinkled throughout the house on all the walls,” David Haas, the executive director of Sarah’s Guest House, said. “It creates kind of a cozy atmosphere.”

Founded in 1994, the house has provided lodging, transportation and meals to over 18,800 individuals, who either reside there while receiving medical care in town or else tending to a loved one at a nearby hospital, hospice or nursing home.

Haas said the average length of stay is about a week. Some people, he said, stay for months at a time.

The house allows for an alternative to a hotel or back-and-forth drives in and out of Syracuse.

According to Haas, the guest house creates an environment of “spiritual healing” since residents bond with one another and lean on staff members or volunteers in times of crisis.

“We call the house an equalizer,” Haas said. “Anybody who walks in the door is on equal footing. Their outside life is kind of dropped because everybody in the house is going through a similar life experience.”

The guest house contains 11 bedrooms, sleeping up to 19 people a night, as well as five bathrooms.

Each year, the organization serves around 1,200 people, Haas said.

An overnight stay comes with a $25 suggested financial contribution, but some people hand over quilts in lieu of the donation.

Close to 30 quilts have been given over the years, each one boasting a unique design.

“All those quilts tell the story of Sarah’s Guest House,” Haas said. “This one will add to our story.”

The hour-long field trip on Jan. 13 will include a tour and an appearance by the guest house’s founder Mary Keough, who will share stories and tidbits of the organization’s history.

Gannon’s Ice Cream will donate treats for the occasion as well.

Haas said the field trip acts as something of a head start to the Fayetteville-Manlius School District students in regard to stewardship and volunteering.

“It’s a lesson in humility for the students in terms of the art of giving and the thoughtfulness of their actions,” Haas said. “The kids gifting us a project and learning about us shows their desire for us to be here. It’s kind of like a thank you for the gift that the house provides to this area.”

At the house’s “A Gala of Giving” fundraiser that took place this past April for its 25th anniversary, hand-made quilts that were auctioned off assisted in covering operating costs.   

Sarah’s Guest House depends on two full-time and three part-time staff members in addition to 115 regular volunteers.

Haas said he appreciates the community stepping in to understand the importance of the organization and lend help, since the “grassroots” organization does not run on any state or federal funding.