What can we do to help a non - organization group of people in So. Cal feed the homeless?

Question

My aunt has gotten together a group of friends who go and feed the homeless every Sunday with food that they bought with their own funds and cooked with their own hands. They are now serving close to 200 people a week. This group is recieving some scorn and criticism from local churches who say that the food they serve is too good for the homeless as well as from city officials who are threatening to shut them down. For these homeless folks, it is often the only good meal they have all week. Many of them are children. My Aunt started this for her own spiritual reasons and does not want any press or recognition. Do you have any ideas on how to help?

Answer 1

You gotta love the politicians: "Don't feed the homeless, you might give them food poisoning!" Or some such thing. They recently passed a law in my state JUST because of the same kind of crap, so that charitable kitchens don't have to be subjected to legal requirements. I don't know, though, with California things get pretty litigious. I wish your aunt well, but unless the local laws (depends on which city/county she's in) protect her, she could be shut down by law. Unfortunate but true.

But as Pangloss points out, the media in Cal LOVE a good angle... make a couple phone calls and get an interested reporter on your side!

Peace and (((hugGs)))

Answer 2

From some stand points there are public health concerns for the city officials, but the church groups have no right to interfere. If a group wants to provide food, the best way is to set up a food program where the food is purchased through the donated funds and then produced through a single approved kitchen. This would solve the problems with the city. As long as the kitchen used to prepare the food and the people preparing the food meet city and state health ordinances the city should have no problem.

I know this seems strange, when we are speaking of people who otherwise, might well, get food from the trash behind restaurants, but it is the city/state health code. Usually, if a group wants to help feed the homeless, if they work with a church group or other organization, which has an already approved kitchen, it is easier. Then they just use their money to buy in bulk, and produce from one facility.

Media attention is not always a bad idea, as extra donations can only help provide food. Additionally, if your aunt could get her group together with other groups who want to accomplish the same goal, they might be able to provide food for 200 people 7 nights a week. Organization would be more difficult, but the need is there and the overall goal is to help people.

Answer 3

Wow, it's ashame that critisism is actually coming from local churches. I thought the whole idea behind church was love and giving.
And, as far as food being too good for the homeless, what does that mean? I've heard that before and it's really too bad. Most people who've been blessed enough to never live in on the streets or stay in a shelter will never know the terrible feeling of a truly empty stomach. I myself, I've dealt with starvation in my life and it's not good. Getting a good hot meal might be the ticket to getting that homeless person motivated and strong enough to go out and get a job, or do as I did, get some education and get a good job.
"There, but for the grace of God, could be me," that's what I say whenever I see someone in dire straits. Once you've been there, you never look down on homeless people, ever.
Crickette.

Answer 4

Unfortunately there are many reasons that your Aunt & her friends are putting themselves (and the city) in for a really bad situation. IF someone happens to get sick & somehow they decided to sue, (and it happens ALL the time!! **Sigh) Then not only could your Aunt & others be financially hurt, so could the City, for allowing the situation in the first place. Rather than try & do this themselves, they should just go ahead & "come along side" the local organizations or local churches and work together to help create something even BETTER!
I find it difficult to believe that the churches would say that the food is too good for the homeless...as I know that here in Oregon we strive to give them the best we have!

Answer 5

"Food too good for the homeless?" What in the blue blazes do they think the homeless should be fed? Dog food? Most of the homeless just hit a very bad run of bad luck and deserve a good home cooked meal. I agree with whoever suggested that she involve the press. They can always blur over her face. Also, go around to local stores and restaraunts for donations of food and money. Good luck to your wonderful aunt.

Answer 6

Ask those churches maybe via an open letter to a local paper what they are doing to feed and house the homeless!
Do they and your aunt also support low income housing programs like Habitat? Treat both ends of the problems.

Answer 7

I would get the media involved and mention which churches feel the food is "too good to be served to the homeless" as well as the public servants who are trying to shut it down.
I bet they would back off real quick.
I realize your aunt is a good person who wants no recognition or accolades. Unfortunately, this may be the only way to save the program.
Tell your aunt Thank you from me and I am wishing her the best.

Answer 8

the best way to feed the homeless is to start requiring a six month shot for every welfare program etc receipient, they will be required to be on this shot until they are self sufficient

Answer 9

Carry on and ignore the stupidity.
Be strong. Right is might.


'Too good for the homeless'? WTF??!!