By Genoa Barrow | OBSERVER Senior Staff Writer
The Bible is rich with scriptures about the importance of helping the less fortunate. Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Psalm 41:1 says, “Blessed is the one who considers the poor!”
A group of volunteers took those verses and others to heart recently, hosting an outreach effort to some of the area’s most vulnerable residents. Local restaurant owner Chef Q Bennett teamed with his wife, This Is Pentecost Fellowship Ministries’ Pastor Tamara Bennett, and the church’s Daughterz Of Enterpryz ministry in January to provide much needed help to combat the elements.
“Everything is brand new,” said Pastor Bennett as the group set up shop on North C Street, near the Loaves & Fishes shelter.
They gave out everything from tents and sleeping bags to warm socks and gloves.
“We know it’s a beautiful day today, but the weather is going to shift,” Pastor Bennett said of the donated items.
Chef Bennett, who owns Q1227 in Roseville, offered up a hearty chicken stew for those who were hungry. Fellow chef and caterer Shawn Jarriett also donated food.
The mission of Daughterz of Zion Enterpryz is “building healthy individuals and families in low income, under-represented and disadvantaged communities and closing the gap on homelessness and food deprivation.”
The effort isn’t a one and done pop-up for the Bennetts and their team of volunteers. They have a regular food and clothing closet and the area church opens its doors to shelter homeless residents through its Winter Sanctuary during the months of December through March. The giveaway events will also continue through the rest of this month.
“We sincerely feel like we are blessed to be a blessing, period,” Pastor Bennett said.
“If everyone does their small part, it lets other people, who are in these situations, know that God sees them and that God hasn’t forgotten them. That’s what’s critical to us.”