Feeding the Hungry

Bobby D. lives in Fort Pierce. Actually, he lives on the streets of Fort Pierce.

He has been homeless since 2014 after losing his job as a restaurant dishwasher. Bobby quickly depleted his meager savings and could no longer pay rent. Now, he panhandles or depends on an occasional odd-job and selling discarded bottles and other recyclables. Most days, he survives on a diet catered by area dumpsters.

But, Bobby also depends on GraceWay Village’s Café – for nutritious meals on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.  Each week, he and other individuals and family members enjoy hot meals prepared and distributed by welcoming friendly volunteers. The unique Sunday evening time period was especially chosen as an encouraging and welcoming way for the participants to ‘start the work-week and school-week off right.’ Prior to meal service on Sundays, everyone is invited to an optional Bible study meeting held outside.  Meanwhile, two-person teams of GraceWay Village volunteers deliver meals, each Sunday, to seniors and the disabled who live in public housing communities and are unable to journey to GraceWay Village.

After the pandemic ceases, GraceWay Village hopes to resume a special Lunch on Us event the fourth Wednesday of every month. Homeless from Fort Pierce’s downtown area are brought to the GraceWay Village campus courtesy of the Fairlawn Baptist Church. In addition to benefiting from a full-course meal, the GraceWay Village guests receive needed personal supplies such as towels, blankets, clothing items, and reading glasses. They also can enjoy a free haircut, as well as a shower thanks to CareBags. Many also take advantage of a health-oriented, ‘well-check’ examination with follow-up services provided by Florida Community Health Services.