SPOKANE, Wash. — One of the last spots in downtown Spokane feeding people experiencing homelessness needs some help.
Six times a week, hundreds of people show up to New Community Church on 3rd Avenue for free meals given out by Shalom Ministries.
Former school counselor Jerry Schwab, who now works at the church, says it’s tough seeing familiar faces in this environment.
“I worked 43 years in the field so I see kids and grandkids of people I worked with,” Schwab said. “It’s like ‘Oh, I failed as a school counselor’ because when I have them, they’re eight. I didn’t fix them.”
Debbie Bradford is one of over 60 volunteers at Shalom Ministries and regularly sees people at rock bottom.
“Sad but then again, neat that this is here,” Bradford said.
Shalom Ministries serves breakfast, bagged lunches and dinners a few times a week.
“At least a few days of the week, they won’t go hungry,” Bradford said.
It is one of the few places left in Spokane that feeds the homeless downtown.
“I feel like it’s a lifeboat here,” said homeless resident Mirikal Brown.
But now that lifeboat is having a hard time staying afloat. The cost of food and the chill in the air is making it tough for Shalom Ministries to keep up with the growing demand.
It is in need of donations of warm clothing or blankets to help fight off the harsh winter weather.
“We take for granted so much of what we get,” Schwab said. “They don’t take it for granted. They appreciate the little things, we do little things.”
To find out more information on how you can help Shalom Ministries, click here.
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