This was my first experience serving dinner there and it changed me, deeply. Yet I felt inadequate to help. My doubt kept me from helping still. What if I panicked? What if I broke down and started crying in front of everyone, feeling sad for the state of homelessness in our community?
Could I really help them? The stories were varied. Some were just passing through town, some were in the middle of a job search, while others were simply struggling right now and needed a hand to hold, a shoulder to lean on, or an ear to listen.
But they were all human beings and I fell in love with all of them. Since opening, they have helped 38 families get back out into the world, overcoming their homeless challenges, and continue to house an average of people every night. In , the harsh winter brought the Mission to push for hour open doors, accepting the people who needed them. When the summer also brought intense heat, the all-hours continued on.
Yes, we as the community can help in so many ways. Volunteers are needed for serving meals, true. But if you are able to volunteer in other ways, the need is there. Serving meals is just one way the homeless residents and those who offer them shelter and support can be helped. Many nicer items make their way to the Twice is Good store located at the 19th St. Latrobe even works with other local thrift shops, collecting the surplus of the other shops to recycle in the same way. The thrift store sales from the recycling program, as well as sales of store items, help to fund the Latrobe Street Mission.
While clothing and most items are always accepted at Twice is Good during designated drop off hours M-F, , donations can also be picked up by Bob, by calling the store to arrange a pick up appointment.
