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| People wait in line outside First United Methodist Church in Albany, Georgia, on Sunday evening. For many guests, the weekly dinner provides a dependable hot meal when food and money are limited. |
The homeless population in Albany, GA is rising. Everyday is a new struggle for those who have no where to sleep or have no idea when they will have their next meal.
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| Guests wait quietly outside the church while volunteers finish preparing dinner inside. The meal gives people a reliable place to eat and spend time with others. |
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A man sits near the front of the dinner line while volunteers prepare to open the doors. He says the meal helps him get through the weekend when other local services are closed.
Justin says he looks forward to the meal and the chance to gather with others every Sunday. There are so many people in our own community who are struggling, and sometimes all it takes is opening our eyes and reaching out to make a difference.
A man holds a water bottle he filled from a nearby hose while waiting for the church doors to open. In the Georgia heat, finding enough water to stay hydrated can be another daily struggle for people without stable housing.
A group talks together while waiting outside the church doors. The meal provides not only food, but also a chance for people to feel connected and less alone. Guests stand with bags and personal belongings while waiting to enter the church. People without stable housing often have to carry everything they own with them throughout the day. Everyone lines up at the check-in table to receive a name tag and a togo box before dinner begins. The process helps volunteers keep everything organized while making sure each guest receives a meal.
A grocery cart holding a laundry bag and grocery sack sits beside the church door. For its owner, the few items inside may be everything they have and must carry with them each day.
Everyone lines up inside the church to receive their Sunday evening meal. For many guests, this may be the only hot meal they can count on that day.
A little boy jumps in front of the camera with a huge smile on his face. Even though he may not have much, he still shows a heart full of happiness and joy.
Guests are served a full Sunday meal with fried chicken, green beans and macaroni and cheese. For many people there, having a warm and filling plate like this is something they do not get every day.
Volunteers serve plates of food to hungry children during the Sunday evening meal. Their kindness helps make sure the children nutrients they need and feel cared for by the community.
Everyone gathers together in prayer before the Sunday meal begins. The moment gives the group a chance to show gratitude and feel connected before they eat.
People stay after the meal to talk, laugh and spend time together. The weekly dinner gives them more than food because it also gives them a sense of community.
People spend time laughing and having good conversations after the meal. These happy moments can give them hope and encouragement to carry with them throughout the week.
With full bellies and full hearts, everyone gets ready to leave the church for the night. For many, the next struggle is finding a safe place to sleep.
Everyone ends the night together in worship and prayer before leaving the church. They pray for strength, safety and a better week ahead.
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