By: Dakota Guy
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| Aleaha Jones walks toward her office at the homeless shelter as her shift begins. Due to privacy concerns, residents cannot be photographed, but through her work, their presence and stories are still felt. |
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Aleaha reviews her daily checklist, going over tasks that range from intake coordination to restocking supplies. Behind every item is a person she’s preparing to help. |
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| Aleaha reaches into the supply closet for hygiene products and clean linens. She prepares a delivery of essentials for a new resident who has just arrived. |
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| Aleaha holds out a bag of supplies at the door of a new resident’s room. Though unseen, the person on the other side is beginning their first night with support and warmth. |
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| While making her rounds, Aleaha pauses to check in on another resident. "A simple How are you holding up? can mean everything in a place where small acts carry big weight." She said. |
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| Aleaha cracks open a Red Bull, her morning "coffee" before the rush begins. The day is just getting started. |
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| Volunteers DeShawn Mitchell, Jasmine Carter, Marcus Davis, and Brianna Mitchell prepare to cook the next meal in the shelter kitchen. For many residents, this meal will be the first warm food they’ve had all day. |
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| The volunteers work together to make spaghetti. It is a simple meal that brings comfort to the shelter’s residents. |
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| The team gathers around freshly baked brownies, sharing a brief moment of camaraderie before distributing treats to brighten someone’s day. |
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| Warm, homemade brownies sit ready to be served at the shelter. Small comforts like these help brighten a difficult day |
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| Aleaha shreds fresh carrots to add to today’s meal. Every ingredient counts when feeding those in need. |
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| Pancake batter is poured onto a hot griddle, starting the breakfast service. Simple meals like these bring warmth and hope to shelter residents. |
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| Packets of pancake mix are whisked into the batter to ensure consistency. These small steps make a big difference in feeding the community. |
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| The kitchen buzzes with activity as pancakes cook and shredded carrots are prepped for the meal. Every effort is made to provide a nutritious and comforting plate for shelter residents. |
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| Aleaha stirs pasta sauce into cooked noodles, preparing a warm meal for shelter residents. Simple dishes like this provide nourishment and care in challenging times. |
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| A variety of cakes are neatly plated, ready to be served as a sweet treat. Small moments of joy help brighten the day for those at the shelter. |
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| Workers and volunteers gather to pray over the food before serving. This moment of gratitude reflects the care behind every meal. |
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| The buffet is set up and ready to welcome residents. It’s a place of nourishment, comfort, and community. |
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| Workers and volunteers hand out meals to shelter residents. Their dedication brings more than food, it brings hope and warmth. |
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| Aleaha Jones leaves her office after a long, exhausting day at the shelter. For her, the work never really ends, but neither does her commitment and dedication. |
