Clients who come to us looking for food
are struggling with a variety of issues. Some are visible and some
are hidden from the casual observer. Mental and emotional
disabilities, problems at home, chronic illness or just plain hard
times, whatever the struggle, it drove them to seek help.
One young, very petite, woman told me
she was being treated for chronic depression. She was a victim of
domestic violence who had recently moved out of a shelter and into a
subsidized apartment. Last week four teen girls attacked and robbed
her, leaving fearful and alienated.
An older woman had been recently
widowed. She used her husband's modest life insurance to purchase a
mobile home. It turned out to be a bad deal. When she fell through
the rotting floor, she had to move out. The San Antonio Housing
Authority was able to place her in an apartment but she was left with
nothing.
One of our regulars came in and loaded
up on cookies and soda. He struggles with addiction and says the
sugar helps him with his cravings.
A new client found herself needing help
with food after her mother recently suffered a stroke. She heads a
household of seven that includes a disabled brother and two disabled
children. She is familiar with the help that is available to her and
has filled out all the applications but, in the meantime, she lacks
food and other needed items. We were able to supply her with
groceries and medical equipment.
Along with help for physical needs, we
pray with our clients and offer community through free meals, small
group Bible studies, recreation and worship. God sent these people to
us so we can show His love to them. In a world of hardship and sorrow
we can be an oasis of hope and comfort.
It takes a lot of folks doing a lot of
things to make it work. We are always looking for new workers.
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