Feeding The Homeless
The homeless problem is heart wrenching and complicated. The ranks of the homeless in downtown San Antonio has increased recently. The reasons for homelessness are many to include addiction, mental illness and loss of employment. For many these problems can be overwhelming and despair sets in.
Some days are more difficult than others. In the dog days of summer, it is hot, hot, hot in San Antonio. In colder months, it becomes dangerous for homeless as the fight to keep warm. Fortunately, the homeless in our city have a place to escape the elements where they are welcomed and receive a hot meal. That place is, of course, St Vinnys Bistro. With prayers and volunteers, St Vinnys Bistro serves the homeless three meals a day, 365 days a year.
However, there is one simple thing we can do right now. Provide them food for today.
St Vinnys Bistro has partnered with Haven for Hope which provides all the services the homeless need to get off the streets and back into permanent housing. The great thing about Haven for Hope shelter is it gives the homeless a “hand up” and not just a “hand out.” They offer drug and alcohol treatment, job training, job placement, identity recovery (provides I.D.s), a healthcare clinic, a mailing address, clothing, showers, restrooms, laundry, medication dispensary, haircuts, dental care, bus fare, and sack lunches for the working homeless. Located on the campus of Haven for Hope, St Vinnys Bistro provides three meals a day, 365 days a year. That is where volunteers and our kitchen come in. No one is ever turned away hungry. In order to help the homeless, we need to draw them in with hot, delicious and nutritious meals.
