Food for the Homeless (Downtown LA)
Details
Hi. If you are using the Meetup mobile app on your phone, look down a few lines below and tap the red-colored "Read more" to expand the description.
TAP THIS ---------
If you are using a computer or laptop/notebook, then you should be fine.
Okay, everybody should now be able to see the full description on their screen.
Reminder for everyone: If Meetup sends too many emails, then look at the bottom of their email and click Unsubscribe or Manage your settings or account page.
Recommended for anyone new to this group or volunteering for the first time:
https://www.meetup.com/LAVolunteer/events/154455182
____________________
I try to spread the word about volunteer opportunities and raise awareness about non-profits/charities that do good work.
This event is from Share A Meal and hosted by Jacquie and her husband, Ravi.
https://www.meetup.com/LAVolunteer/members/244623652
https://www.shareameal.net/about
____________________
MANY regular/returning and new volunteers help them each week, but I still want to post their meal service so more people can learn about them and participate.
Even if nobody else from this meetup group signs up, they probably will be crowded with others, so please keep that in mind if you decide to go.
If several people show up, they try to get everyone involved, but some waiting/standing might occur.
If possible, please try not to get mad/angry. Hopefully you can meet some nice and friendly people, and talk while waiting for the burritos to finish.
____________________
The founders of Share A Meal are awesome.
I'm in awe and admiration of Jacquie & Ravi.
Jacquie - https://www.meetup.com/LAVolunteer/members/244623652
The following videos show what they're about:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7NcPOxBK3w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b30GFqtgNLY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6ucBoHxDNo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KdD8L5rKbE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9hga3X1lwA
____________________
Five nights a week, they give out vegetarian burritos and water to people at different locations.
Monday @ DTLA near Little Tokyo
Tuesday @ Hollywood
Wednesday @ DTLA near USC
Thursday @ Venice
Friday @ DTLA near Olvera St, Union Station, & Chinatown
____________________
All ingredients for the vegetarian burritos are provided by Share A Meal.
Volunteers don't bring any food, but they appreciate donations of bottled water.
A few volunteers help inside the food truck and "roll" the burritos.
Once all the burritos are finished and warmed up, they go out to distribute.
____________________
If 6:45pm is tough due to work or traffic, arriving later is fine.
Making the burritos is limited to a few people because space inside the food truck is limited.
https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/c/e/3/highres_455516547.jpeg
For passing out the food and water, more people can be accommodated and everyone can get involved.
Note: You all know about traffic. The food truck usually arrives around 6:45pm, but if traffic is bad, they might be a little late. If anyone arrives and they aren't there yet, try waiting a few minutes. The food truck normally arrives by 7:00pm. Thank you for being patient.
____________________
FAQ
Q: Is this safe for women?
A: Answering "Yes" or "No" is not up to me. It's up to you to decide.
I sympathize if anyone feels anxious, afraid, and hesitant.
For this, they go out in groups and nobody should be alone. Many homeless individuals are friendly, grateful, gracious, and appreciative of the food & water.
And believe it or not, sometimes more women volunteer than men.
Their photos are a good indication of who and how many people participate:
https://www.facebook.com/ShareAMeal/photos
Some people might feel uncomfortable going out on the streets at night and interacting with homeless individuals. Distributing is completely voluntary and optional, so please don't feel obligated or pressured. If anyone feels scared or reluctant, feel free to stop and leave at anytime (if it's safe to do so).
____________________
Photos:
Monday @ DTLA - http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.987525381357505
Tuesday @ Hollywood - http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.987528048023905
Thursday @ Venice - http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.992192930890750
Friday @ DTLA - http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.996583523785024
https://www.facebook.com/ShareAMeal/photos
____________________
Jacquie and her husband, Ravi, host this event. One of them is always there. Jacquie might not always check messages/comments via Meetup
https://www.meetup.com/LAVolunteer/members/244623652
So if anyone wants to help, go to
https://www.shareameal.net/weekly-service-nights
Scroll down and register on their site.
Enter your name and email address and click on "Register"
You can also fill out their registration form via
http://files.meetup.com/1339032/Share%20A%20Meal.pdf
and email it back to Jacquie via khalsapeacecorps@gmail.com
She can be busy, so if she doesn't respond, check their FB for updates -
https://www.facebook.com/ShareAMeal
____________________
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/b/6/highres_455041974.jpeg
If anybody arrives early, the food truck should eventually show up by 7:00pm. Traffic may cause them to be late.
Wearing comfortable clothes & shoes is recommended. Maybe bring a sweater/jacket if it gets cold at night.
Children can participate with parent supervision/approval. A liability release waiver form needs to be submitted upon arrival.
http://files.meetup.com/1339032/Share%20A%20Meal.pdf
All ingredients for making the burritos are supplied by them (food truck).
If anyone wants to contribute, they appreciate donations of bottled water.
If parking on a street, please check posted signs/meters.
Public bathrooms may not always be readily available or accessible, so using a restroom before arriving is recommended.
____________________
On Friday nights, they meet near 645 New High Street, Los Angeles, 90012
It's not a physical address. The food truck tries to park on New High St, between Cesar E Chavez Ave and Ord St.
It's near Spring St, north of Cesar E Chavez Ave, and west of Alameda St.
Street parking (meters) is available on New High St or adjacent streets in Chinatown. The rate for meters is around 50 cents or $1 an hour. Some meters require payment until 8:00pm, but please check signs & meter to confirm.
If you see a tall apartment building and city hall in the background, then that's probably the right area.
https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/c/c/7/highres_455748327.jpeg
https://goo.gl/maps/GwBU2qMZ5WD2
If the food truck arrives late, after 7pm, thank you for your patience.
When I went, the food truck parked on New High Street near "Sunshine Auto Park."
Hopefully the food truck finds a parking spot in this area and is easy to see/find.
https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/d/0/7/highres_455516583.jpeg
After the burritos are finished, they walk around to pass out food and water.
https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/d/2/2/highres_455516610.jpeg
https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/d/3/d/highres_455516637.jpeg
____________________
If anyone wants to help on a different weeknight, refer to:
Food for the Homeless (Downtown LA)