Rain, rain, and rain last night while unloading the food from the van. Most of the homeless are thankful for a dry place to settle in on a night like this. They spread out among the tables and watch us volunteers scurry around getting ready for the night. In and out of the room looking for stuff is the first order of business. Are the doors unlocked to supplies and ice machine? Do we have plates, forks coffee, tea, and do we have enough food even though we don’t know how many will show up. After sizing up the situation usually Bonnie will drive to the store for the needed supplies.
As the new volunteers show up we get a lot of questions like “what do I do”. Fortunately, we have a core group of volunteers that help every week and they know what to do. Basically it is shopping, chopping, washing, and mopping in addition to serving. Another group of volunteers minister to the homeless. They serve by spending time talking to them on an individual basis. Everyone has a story and a problem and some just need council, encouragement, and prayer.
After Paul shared the message, there were about 55 individuals lined up for the meal but by the night was over, we served 98 meals. Many go back for seconds and some get a plate to go. We served chicken and rice, beef and noodles, macaroni and cheese, bananas, topped off with chocolate peanut butter squares. Of course we had sweet tea to drink. Then most of the homeless are out the door for a smoke and then they head for their “cat hole” for the night.
~Marc
