Richmond Friends of the Homeless

It was Thanksgiving of 1986. My freezer was stuffed with three turkeys my family had received from various businesses. I was delighted to hear a minister announce on TV that he was in desperate need of food for a thanksgiving meal he was trying to prepare for the homeless. What a great way to get rid of those turkeys.

I called him and was stunned when he asked me if I could cook them before I delivered them. This was more than I had bargained for! But since we were going to be home for the holidays, I agreed. When I dropped off the food I told him I would be back a few days later for my roasting pans.

Several days after Thanksgiving I ventured back to south Richmond. After getting lost, I pulled over to check out my map. There on the sidewalk were two men and a young boy. The men were trying to fish something out of a large trash container for the boy. He seemed quite excited, so I figured maybe it was a basketball, a toy, or a baseball bat. To my amazement it was a turkey carcass. I was horrified to watch him sit on the grass and start clawing at it and eating whatever scraps he could pull off.

The Lord really spoke to my heart that day. I made many phone calls to find out what kind of programs or services were available for those in need in southside. There were none at the time. And it was then that Richmond Friends of the Homeless was born.

That dumpster turkey carcass was the inspiration that led to our feeding almost one million underprivileged persons to date. Meals are provided at two locations where a hot lunch is served Monday through Friday year round. One is at Second Baptist Church South at 105 E. Pilkington Street in the Bainbridge and Blackwell area and at Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church at 913 North First Street, Jackson War/ Gilpin Court area.

We are a Non-Profit association that is devoted to making a difference in the lives of the less advantaged. Its programs and activities are made possible by the generosity of numerous foundations, churches, synagogues, civic and business groups and countless individuals in the Greater Richmond area who devote time, food, and other resources to meet the needs of the homeless.  Written by Shawnee Hansen

How You Can Help!

* Make a financial contribution on a regular basis to support our ongoing work 

* Become a part of a group- or organize one- to prepare and serve a hot lunch once a month 

* Invite the Executive Director to speak to your civic club on Sunday School class 

* Volunteer your time and skills for the holiday children’s parties 

*Learn about other ways you can make a difference in a child’s life. 

You can send your donation to Richmond Friends of the Homeless at 5209 Hackney Road, Richmond, VA 23234 

Make checks payable to Richmond Friends of the Homeless or call 804-275-5866 for more information.

We are always in need of the following items 

*divided dinner plates 

*dessert plates 

*8-10oz cups 

*forks 

*coffee 

*salt 

*pepper 

*sugar 

*creamer 

*Kool aid 

*Dish detergent 

*55 gal. Trash bags