Friendship Park

Gale Filter, a volunteer at Loaves & Fishes is an air force veteran and a retired environmental prosecutor and educator. He believes that photography provides a powerful means to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and that in the eyes of many who experience homelessness, one finds the “homes of silent prayers” to… The post Dia de los Muertos appeared first on Loaves & Fishes.

The only true guardian of peace lies within: a sense of concern and responsibility for your own future and an altruistic concern for the well-being of others.  Dalai Lama World Peace Day-September 21, 2017. I am at Loaves & Fishes to photograph the dedication of Friendship Park’s new Peace Pole. Peace Poles are recognized throughout… The post Friendship Park's Peace Day Celebration appeared first on Loaves & Fishes.

The Kindness Cantina In the emergency room of Dignity Health’s Methodist Hospital, in South Sacramento, ordinary snacks serve a noble cause. Caz Sliwa, a registered nurse, operates Kindness Cantina, which provides hospital staff with soda, coffee, chips and the opportunity to give back to their homeless neighbors for just a dollar. He has volunteered at Loaves… The post The Kindness Cantina appeared first on Loaves & Fishes.

Randy Rodda who volunteers in the Friendship Park kiosk and the dining room shares what it is like to work in Friendship Park, where many who are experiencing homelessness find comfort, community and a safe place to rest their eyes.   Loaves & Fishes staffers and volunteers put on their game face — humility, empathy and… The post The Friendship Park Kiosk as experienced by a former newspaper editor appeared first on Loaves & Fishes.

Say “Hello” to Shon! When Shon first came to Loaves & Fishes, he was simply looking to get a TB test. Instead, he left with a TB test, two sleeping bags, and a newfound community. Shon’s first experience with Loaves & Fishes caused him to feel safe, secure, and loved by the staff, the volunteers,… The post "I simply like being in the park" appeared first on Loaves & Fishes.

Robert, a guest at Loaves & Fishes, has been in the Sacramento County Jail for the past year and two months. He is a poet and an artist. He wrote and dedicated this poem to Friendship Park on June 22nd, 2016: A Place to Be, To Meet a Friend, Broken Hearts, That Need to Mend.… The post A meditation on Friendship Park from the Sacramento County Jail appeared first on Loaves & Fishes.

Each weekday at 7:00 am, coffee is served to the about 300 guests in Friendship Park. Everyday, Friendship park powers through 60 gallons of Folgers coffee, 10 lbs of sugar and 10 lbs of powdered cream. At 7:30 am, volunteers start serving breakfast to the guests. Over the past year and a half, more than… The post Friendship Park Breakfast Recipe appeared first on Loaves & Fishes.

Samuel Sneed, a Friendship Park guest, just moved into a six bedroom apartment on March 21 in North Sacramento which he shares with roommates. The apartment is operated by Sacramento Self Help Housing. Samuel speaks elegantly about God, love and the inhumanity of homelessness. His dream is to use his words to preach. Originally from… The post Samuel's new home inspires hope appeared first on Loaves & Fishes.

On March 21st, 2017, Wally Stoves, a regular at Friendship Park, turned 74 years old. His former coworkers, Andy Smillick and Bob Taylor came to the park to celebrate his birthday with a cake in tow. Wally has been experiencing homelessness for the past 25 years and this was the first time they connected since… The post Wally's 74th birthday heralds a reunion appeared first on Loaves & Fishes.