A Message From a Very Special Volunteer

I was about to become homeless again, in an abusive relationship, and using to numb the pain. My pride almost kept me from going through the program at Front Porch Housing, and it was a hard reality pill to swallow. I was very hurt, so I wasn’t very pleasant to be around.

I did the parenting classes reluctantly as I didn’t think I’d ever see my children again. I had just about given up, but I got to the point where I had to make a choice. Do I want to look back and know I continued to make the right, next step…or did I give up? I decided I was going to keep doing the next hard thing regardless of whether I got the desired outcome.

Loaves & Fishes contributes to the mission of Front Porch Housing in a way that makes a big impact! Not only have they helped feed me and my family, they have helped feed many families seeking refuge from overseas.

I researched what Loaves & Fishes was about and loved that they are a “food rescue” nonprofit. I related to “being rescued” from destruction and also feel strongly that access to food should be a basic human right. I was adopted at the age of five and before that I was living with lack and malnourishment. I’ve been homeless and hungry plenty.

also did my first volunteering event at the Taste of the Upstate. I’m a huge foodie! I love serving and being a part of an organization with a great mission. I feel this is a way I can say thank you and give back to my community for the wonderful years of living here.

Food is the glue that holds us together and honestly, a lot of bad choices were made on days when I hadn’t eaten yet. Think about that.

My cup runs over and, in this, I am healing more and more daily. Being a part of something that helps others but continues to help me is something I’ve longed for, for many years.

Testimony from a Loaves & Fishes volunteer and graduate of the Front Porch Housing program, which receives weekly deliveries of food from Loaves & Fishes. Front Porch Housing is a nonprofit providing a three-year supportive housing program to individuals and families in crisis.