What do you give thanks for if you are homeless in San Diego?

Nearly 100 members of Episcopal Community Services’ Friend to Friend Clubhouse gathered on November 20 to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal prepared by ECS’ Food Services Program. The menu included turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, candied yams, bread and beverages. Several members, all of whom are homeless and mentally ill, returned for a second helping. Joan*, a new member of the Clubhouse, was brought to tears. “You don’t know how much this means to me. Thank you, thank you for letting us enjoy Thanksgiving.”

The line to receive a hot meal extended to the front reception area of the Clubhouse. Larry*, a Clubhouse member volunteer, waited patiently as others ate before him. “If I leave the front desk, then that means no one is managing check-in. And that’s my job for the day,” he says proudly. Member volunteers “work” various areas of the Clubhouse for incentives such as free bus tokens, grocery gift cards and other essential items.

Episcopal Community Services also provided a hot Thanksgiving meal to 38 Safe Haven transitional homeless residents, and complete meal bags for 100 Head Start families, 25 women and children in Julian’s residences for domestic violence victims and 30 struggling families in the San Diego area.

*Client identities have been changed for privacy.