Once a month, our church small group hosts a lunch for homeless in Sacramento. We plan the menu, buy the food, prepare and serve for about 80 people. Typically, we do this out of the Broderick Center, a day shelter that has a large room and kitchen. Sadly, in early July, a disgruntled homeless person burned the shelter down and detroyed three vans that were used to transport special needs adults to their jobs.
We decided to continue to serve at the place where most live, along the river. There is park where they typically congregate. So, we are now creating a traditional BBQ lunch, with hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, beans, etc.
I have to say, I really enjoy serving there instead. At the center, everyone kind of “eat it and beat it”, but at the park, they would hang around and we were able to talk a while. I had the sense that we were at their place, and they were more comfortable there. One of the men told me he felt like he was participating in a family picnic. A few of the women took the time to compliment us on how we were raising our kids.
Friends in our group…Katie, Catherine, and Lori…
Catherine, me, and Katie…
The kids, getting the “Safety and Boundary” talk from Mr. Dan…
Buddies, ‘A’, ‘J’, and ‘R’
Our set up…
Doling out the grub!
