Friendship Park
Dia de los Muertos
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…
Read MoreFriendship Park's Peace Day Celebration
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…
Read MoreThe Kindness Cantina
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…
Read MoreThe Friendship Park Kiosk as experienced by a former newspaper editor
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…
Read More"I simply like being in the park"
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,…
Read MoreA meditation on Friendship Park from the Sacramento County Jail
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.…
Read MoreFriendship Park Breakfast Recipe
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…
Read MoreSamuel's new home inspires hope
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…
Read MoreWally's 74th birthday heralds a reunion
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…
Read MoreFriendship Park Grand Opening
On January 6, 2017, at 10am, the new Friendship Park opens at Loaves & Fishes. Friendship Park is a state of the art park designed specifically for homeless people to feel welcome and safe. After years of planning, community feedback, and construction we’re ready to open a new Friendship Park especially designed for the much…
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