HUNGER
FOOD IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF MEETING NEED BY KAREN GLEASON
T
he Salvation Army Stillman Sawyer Family Services Center in Harbor City, California, distributes some 400 monthly grocery orders to individuals and families in need. And in the 11 years Center Director Ernesto Madrid has worked on the frontlines here, he’s learned that sometimes needs are best met outside “business hours,” especially when it’s a first-time request for help. “A lot of people are eating their pride just to show up here,” Madrid said. “Some even ask us, ‘Can I make a special arrangement? Can I come at six in the evening—you know, when nobody’s there? Can I be there at seven in the morning?’” The Salvation Army He is willing to accommodate provided more than their requests. “I do it because this gives me a chance to hear their 171 million meals stories,” he said. “And that’s evto individuals and erything. That’s how I learn how to families in need last help them further.” year—always with a Madrid doesn’t just hand out goal to not only help food and send people on their way. He invites them to sit down but connect.
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CARING 2023