Homeless Breakfast - Needs Volunteers
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Each month, the Homeless Breakfast ministry gathers to prepare and serve food to the homeless. Many friendships have grown out of the experience of sharing in this form of care for God's people.
Our group prepares and serves breakfast on the second Saturday of each month at Catholic Charities in Ventura, feeding about 200 people.
We leave the Conejo at 5:30am, usually driving separately but can arrange carpools. Travel time is about half an hour and we return by 10am.
Ventura Catholic Charities Address: 303 N. Ventura Avenue, Ventura.
Breakfast Prep: 6am
For more information contact Sally Holland email: [email protected] or phone: 805-492-4879.
To volunteer:
Sally: [email protected]
Cyndy: [email protected]
Bob: [email protected]
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St. Max Homeless Breakfast July, 2024
This morning gave us many patches of fog & a feel of humidity in the coolness, as we left the Conejo and headed to Ventura. We all were quite amazed when a sudden rainstorm descended, lasting nearly half an
hour. At right is a shot of the parking lot, with heavy rain. In the distance, to the left side of the photo, is a man with one leg, on crutches. He was very cheerful and friendly; enjoyed the Breakfast, then made his
way outside, seemingly without any care about the wet conditions.
Today, we had an ABUNDANCE of volunteers: Denise; Kirk and his sons: Asher, Osias, & Judah; Cathy & Gerald; Carolyn; Betcy; Sue,;Melissa; Pam; Ayni & Alfonse; Cyndy & Bob; & Sally … 17 of us! A nice “problem!”
At left, 2 of o
ur guests (Richard & Amber). They complimented the meal saying how much it “hit the
spot.” When I explained that “seconds” were always welcome, they were pleasantly surprised — & went
back for more!
I happened to see a gal (named Gloria) who has been a guest previously. She, also, complimented the breakfast, but went further to say how much she appreciates the friendliness & warmth of us volunteers. She continued to relate some of the events of her life.
Gloria and a man had been living together for about 30 years. He developed cancer some time ago, and she was his only caregiver. She tried to get help from relatives (who seem to all live in Texas), but no one offered any assistance. She said it was terrible to witness this man she loved wither away — and with no one to come to his (or her) aid. She explained that he died about a year ago, and that she is still suffering the loss. In addition, there is the practical issue of money. Gloria is not entitled to any compensation for her years of dedication to this man, since they were not legally married. She lives in her car, & would like to get a job. Gloria would make an intelligent, responsible employee. However, she appears to have no resources for obtaining work.
Another frequent guest is Dave. He is a long-time friend of Jesus. (Jesus was a very long-time guest of ours, over many years. He developed diabetes and was confined to a wheelchair. However, he still made it to the breakfast — even throughout the Pandemic, when we served a “bag meal” out in the Catholic Charities parking lot.) Jesus continues to receive medical care at a facility in Ojai. Dave visits him often & reported that Jesus is “hanging in there.” He was on dialysis for kidney issues, but no longer needs that particular treatment. Dave agreed that all of us who are keeping Jesus in our prayers are helping him. Jesus tells Dave that he definitely remembers our group, and very much appreciates our concern.
Finally, a word about money: Each July, I request funding for this Homeless Breakfast Ministry. Our
Monsignor Paul Albee has found resources through the Good Samaritan Fund at St. Max, & will grant the
needed money for the next year. Thank you, Monsignor, for your very generous support!
I hope all of our volunteer families are keeping well!
Sincerely, Sally Holland
