Nourishing the body, mind and spirit

Everyday after we bless our food,
we thank our Guests for visiting the Kitchens and Pantry.
Inevitably, their response rings throughout the room:

“No, thank YOU for being here.”

Within the walls of our Kitchens and Pantry, we see hopelessness, confusion, sadness, and uncertainty.

• A man carrying a briefcase who is dressed in a shabby trench coat worn over a less-than-clean suit and a white shirt yellowed from days of wear without being washed. He was once a successful business man who lived a comfortable life, but his business went sour and he went into debt. He lost his house, his car, and—worst of all—his family. Now he is a fellow human being struggling to meet his basic need for food and water.
• An articulate 16-year-old who is homeless. Carrying a back pack, she wore the two coats she owned, one on top of the other. She tried to assure us that everything was fine, but there was no family to lean on and no place to call home. Within the walls of the Kitchen, she felt safe and she found comfort.
• An elderly lady who carries all she owns with her every day. She walks to the Kitchen for her daily meal hoping that we will serve her “a little bit more.” We nicknamed her “Little Bit.” Any extra food we are able to serve her is a late night snack when she cannot sleep or it is her breakfast for the next morning. Every day she gives us a big grin and a warm hello. She knows that we care enough to get to know her and to listen.
• A man contacts the Kitchen to donate food to repay the kindness shown to him during a very trying time in his life. After months of hopelessness from losing his job and subsequently, his apartment, he was now back on his feet. The Kitchen provided the meals needed for daily survival.
• These situations remind us of how important we are to so many. Maybe, they need our help for a short time as they find the means to take care of themselves. Maybe, they are elderly and our daily meals supplement their monthly social security. Or, maybe they simply will never be able to move forward financially and need a soft place to land everyday. No matter who they are, we are here to provide a hot meal with hospitality, respect and care.