To Serve the Least of These
Four weeks ago I greeted my preschool students at my classroom door with their choice of a high-five, a handshake, or a hug. There was a feeling of uncertainty in our program as talk of countywide school closures due to COVID-19 signaled the potential for Mustard Seed to close its doors to a regular academic…
Read MoreEmbracing the Unexpected
When we learned that our services would be reduced in the wake of the pandemic, it could be presumed that there was a collective sigh of relief, but also an unexpressed guilt. The relief that staff and volunteers would be able to practice appropriate self care and necessary health precautions, but an even greater uncertainty…
Read MoreRon's Triumph
At Sacramento Loaves & Fishes, a past guest’s triumphs are always a cause to celebrate. It can sometimes be difficult to stay optimistic amongst so much need and so few supportive resources, so listening to our former guests’ success stories helps motivate and inspire us to welcome each guest, new or returning, with hope for…
Read MoreDaryl
Conversations about mental illness and substance abuse seem to inevitably arise when talking about homelessness – but what about physical disability? A physical handicap can have profound effects on an individual, leading to limited access to work, unemployment, and homelessness. Physical disability is a big part of why Daryl, a guest at Loaves & Fishes,…
Read MoreThe Ongoing Miracle: Our Dining Room Program
On any given day, our Dining Room Program can serve between 350 to 1,000 homeless men, women, and children. We strive to provide a warm, nutritious, and filling meal to every guest that enters into the Dining Room for lunch and based on feedback from our guests, we seem to be achieving this goal. Yet,…
Read MoreAnthony & Michelle
Doug Winter, a professional photographer, comes to Loaves & Fishes once a month to take beautiful portraits of our guests. When he has time, he likes to interview the subjects of his photographs to capture the story behind their eyes. Anthony and Michelle started their relationship four years ago on the streets of Sacramento. Together, they…
Read MoreNatalia Haas
Doug Winter, a professional photographer, comes to Loaves & Fishes once a month to take beautiful portraits of our guests. When he has time, he likes to interview the subjects of his photographs to capture the story behind their eyes. Natalia Haas is homeless and recovering from brain surgery. Natalia’s entire stay in the hospital was…
Read MoreElden Davis
Doug Winter, a professional photographer, comes to Loaves & Fishes once a month to take beautiful portraits of our guests. When he has time, he likes to interview the subjects of his photographs to capture the story behind their eyes. Elden is homeless and battling lung cancer. He was diagnosed with lung cancer at Sutter hospital,…
Read MoreMark Ryan
Doug Winter, a professional photographer, comes to Loaves & Fishes once a month to take beautiful portraits of our guests. When he has time, he likes to interview the subjects of his photographs to capture the story behind their eyes. Mark Ryan arrived in Sacramento in the 1980’s and worked as an accounts receivable bank auditor…
Read MoreSam
Doug Winter, a professional photographer, comes to Loaves & Fishes once a month to take beautiful portraits of our guests. When he has time, he likes to interview the subjects of his photographs to capture the story behind their eyes. Homeless for almost 3 years, Sam hasn’t had an hourly paying job since 2009. As we…
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