In the yard of the Gathering for Women in Monterey, a sculptural bench stands as a tribute to local women without homes who have died in recent years. It’s a memorial bench, but also a tree of life, and a nest – big enough for a human to be born in. A motif of butterflies represents the plethora of souls this community has lost due to homelessness.
There were two people crucial to making the project happen: Regina Lebel – who has experienced homelessness herself, found support in the Gathering for Women day center, moved into permanent housing in 2021, and now is determined to help other women – and local sculptor and drummer Jayson Fann, known for his spirit nest sculptures and drumming workshops at the School of Sacred Rhythms in Sand City.
In 2023, Lebel approached the Gathering for Women with the idea. Later, independently, the nonprofit received a phone call from Fann. He wanted to do some kind of interactive art project that would involve the women who utilize the facility.
The core piece of wood is redwood that Fann found in Big Sur. “It represents the deep roots the women had in the community,” Fann says.
“The butterflies represent transformation,” Lebel says, watching as younger women sand the piece. “It’s beautiful.”
The bench is made of unpainted, sanded wood. An unveiling ceremony took place on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
“It’s easy to become homeless on the Peninsula,” says Staci Alziebler-Perkins, executive director of Gathering for Women. The center assists about 15 women daily, 400 each year. “Ninety percent are from the county, mostly older women,” Alziebler-Perkins adds – the age range is 50s to 80s, but the center also had a 93-year-old regular.
The center has 15 core staff, supported by 65 volunteers. The women can come in Monday through Friday, use the shower room, get a pair of shoes, eat a meal, use a computer, maybe talk to someone.
They can also – as of last week – take a seat on the memorial bench, pause, reflect and pay homage to those who have passed. The hope is the spot will become a sanctuary that will serve many people, provoking reflection and offering peace.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.