As we are completing our ninth week of quarantine, the Saint Vincent de Paul Free Dining Facility has remained open throughout the health emergency. With 80% of our volunteers, most who are elderly, opting to stay home as the Shelter-in-Place was implemented, there was a strong possibility we would be unable to serve the most needy in our community. But we were blessed with people coming forward to fill the labor shortage. The city of Eureka and the police department’s Community Enhancement and Safety Team stepped up, closed part of third street during the lunch hour so hand washing stations, a bathroom and spaced seating could be provided on the street. Uplift Outreach has provided two to three staff members everyday who diligently work four- to five-hour shifts doing whatever needs to be done. County Health and Welfare has loaned two staff members two days a week and screened workers for the virus. Long time volunteers Jackie and Russ Owsley have increased their time to three days a week. To fill the labor gap we have relied on Kim, John, Christy, and Tina to step in as unsung heroes. Without all of the above individuals and agencies coming forward we would not be able to serve the needy on a daily basis.
As of February when Food for People suffered an environmental shutdown, the Dining Facility staff had the added challenge of picking up foodstuff donations from several additional stores. That greatly increased our workload and our ability to store and use the increased food volume. In order to reduce the inventory and avoid food spoilage a distribution network was created that includes the Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Humboldt Mutual Aid, Harm Reduction Center, Adult/Teen Challenge, South Humboldt Housing, Arcata House, Mountain of Mercy and the Clean and Sober House.
Lastly, I would be remiss to not recognize our two dedicated employees who are responsible for the meals. Mary Price and Steven Thompson prepare and serve upwards of 90,000 meals each year. Truly, without their efforts, there would not be the miracle of the daily meal. Bob Santilli is a board member who oversees the Dining Facility. He’s taken on a personal mission of serving he poor. Volunteering at the Dining Facility he confronts issues and comes up with positive solutions. He makes a difference in the lives of many.
All of the above cooperation and volunteering of labor to serve others in need says a lot about our community and why many choose to live in our area. Overall, we are a caring and giving people.
We should give ourselves a pat on the back.
Russell Shaddix, vice president of the board of Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, resides in Arcata.
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May 22, 2020 at 02:01AM
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My Word: We are a caring and giving people - Eureka Times-Standard
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