Sarnia Community Church Brings Food and Fellowship

What started out as a mobile food distribution program in Sarnia for those who are homeless or precariously housed now supports a second group of people in the community.

Once a week, on Thursday nights, The Salvation Army Sarnia Community Church brings its Emergency Disaster Services canteen van to Veterans Park in Sarnia, to serve up food and fellowship to individuals who are homeless. Veterans Park is adjacent to two seniors’ residences and the Sarnia Library, and it didn’t take long for news of the food program to spread.

“We are seeing a relationship being formed in the two communities. Where there was once a divide with many not wanting this in their neighbourhood, we are seeing neighbours engaging and listening to the stories of those without housing,” said Lt Brad Webster, Corps Officer at Sarnia Community Church.

The success of the mobile feeding program among both groups of people has resulted in the senior community embracing the opportunity for ministry while nurturing the homeless population in Veterans Park.

“Not only are we seeing those experiencing homelessness come out for a meal, we are also seeing the seniors in the area coming out for fellowship and a meal, too,” Lt Webster says.

Every Thursday night, Community and Family Services supervisor Daphne Bourque also brings the canteen to a motel that provides shelter for those who are currently homeless.

“We serve hot meals to 50 to 70 people between the two locations. I am blown away by the compassion of the seniors. They have no problem supporting the homeless population and it is a very beautiful thing to see,” Daphne said.

COVID-19 lockdowns meant seniors limited to their homes could no longer get out to socialize and meet people, so the purpose of the mobile food program expanded to help seniors as well as those who are homeless. Meeting people where they are also provides more opportunity to talk, listen and to get to know people better.

“This is something that has not been done in this community to this extent and we’re doing it. I think that is the reason the truck has been so well received. It shows that we’re not here just because we’re a social service. Instead, we’re here because we care and we have a different reason for why we do what we do,” Lt Webster said.