While many students individually serve outside of school, Ellen King’s high school Bible classes took the opportunity to work at the Poverello House, Oct. 27. We learned this organization began its service in 1973. Creator, Founder McGarvin, began to provide food and clothing to the street people of Fresno.
When I first found out we were going to serve food to strangers, I was less than enthusiastic. The thought of meeting people who are different than I was awkward but by the end of the trip it was worth it. Riding shotgun, I was one of the first to see the devastation of the environment where we would work.
While at first I was reluctant to leave my northeast community, my outlook towards the destitution of the squatters I would soon be challenged.
When we first entered the southwest Fresno area, we saw tents held together by old sticks, some blankets, and plastic tarps, all meshed together to form a homeless community.
After we parked the car and walked towards the Poverello House, I immediately clutched my belongings to my chest in fear of theft. The dissolute surroundings were shocking.
The kitchen staff of the Poverello House immediately put us to work. I was relieved we were not allowed to interview or talk to those who filed in to eat. First we folded spoons, forks and knifes into napkins. The kitchen was bustling with volunteers: some washed and cut fruit and vegetables, others stirred pots, a group opened cans; there was also mopping and cleaning to do. The kitchen chores were just like the ones teenagers do at home.
However, the longer I was there, the more uncomfortable I became. I looked around and noticed the expressions of the homeless people. Their clothes were smelly and the food served was not what I was used to; I longed to return to my comfort zone. However, I noticed FC students served the homeless people no differently than when our parents put dinner on the table.
Gradually the room filled with table conversation. People were eating, visiting and relaxing.
I am normally not a very loving person, and I wondered why would ordinary people in Fresno go out of their way to regularly help people they don’t know, without gaining anything in return.
Some of the volunteers told me it gave them a feeling of satisfaction, while others said helping made them feel better about themselves. Still others said it gave them an overwhelming feeling of peace. Not all had altruistic reasons for serving.
As a result, and despite wanting to leave, I found that by doing the simplest of tasks, I could help make someone feel important. While I still may be self-focused, I have gained a new appreciation for those selfless volunteers.
Before I arrived at the Poverello House, I condemned street people because I reasoned their mistakes led them to this outcome. I never believed these people deserved a second chance. Yet I was volunteering in a facility whose daily work offered redemption.
I wanted to take pictures of the building, the staff, volunteers and those eating to tell their story. But I was told absolutely no pictures of anyone other than FC students. How disappointing. The assignment the online Feather staff gave me, originally a headache, now changed; it took on new meaning. The stories of the homeless, the volunteers and the Poverello staff need to be told. These lives are rich, real and remarkable.
The Poverello House moved to its current location in 1981, after the generous contribution of an anonymous supporter. The building still stands on 412 “F” Street in downtown Fresno.
According to their Web site, volunteers are welcome to assist in the preparation of meals, coordinating activities for clients, assisting in clean up and beautification of the Poverello House and helping to sort and distribute donations. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday, between 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday between 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, contact the Poverello House on their Web site: www.poverellohouse.org/, by e-mail: [email protected] or by phone: (559) 498-6988.
