La Mesa resident Charlotte Spahn could tell lots of stories about the San Diego homeless people she has helped feed each Saturday for 28 years but she is usually too busy working at Saturday lunches at the St. Vincent de Paul Joan Kroc Center to talk for long. She is also very circumspect about the respecting the dignity of those she serves.
(Some attendees requested modest anonymity in using only their first names or nicknames.)
Spahn took a brief break from overseeing her work crew of helpers on Saturday, May 18, to describe each Saturday’s schedule, typically beginning at 10:30 a.m.
“The day begins early with an inspirational message,” Spahn said. “And then we have prayer for the food, then after that prayer for events around the world.”
Residents of Father Joe’s Villages are the first group to be served lunch.
Other homeless persons and deeply impoverished people are served afterward. Spahn noted that some of those receiving the lunches are so poor that they would have to choose between rent and food, and the Saturday meals are available for them too.
Spahn pointed out the front table near the door, where homeless diners were allowed to bring their dogs and cats as they ate. Spahn’s work crew members deliver lunch trays to tables for persons with handicaps.
Spahn has a regular team of nine helpers, who consistently attend each Saturday.
“We call ourselves Charlotte’s Angels,” helper Yvette said. A resident of Mission Valley, Yvette has served with Spahn’s team for nine years.
Merv Spahn joined his wife’s work team a year ago. He offers the weekly inspirational message. He said his messages emphasize such subjects as love, God’s rules, and the 10 Commandments. Different churches rotate in bringing congregation members to augment “Charlotte’s Angels” each Saturday for the meal service.
Charlotte Spahn introduced Margie Mills as her prayer warrior. Mills lives in Scripps Ranch and has served with the team every Saturday for 12 years.
“We really want to give the people here some dignity,” Mills said. “And we try to supply their specific needs. What draws me to serve at this place is that shelter is such a basic need. These people don’t have that. I feel so blessed, I have such an abundance of blessings, this is a way I can pay that forward.”
One homeless woman sitting nearby, awaiting lunch, overheard the interview conversation. Diamond asked Mills if she remembered 10 years ago, that Mills had heard Diamond was suffering from cold weather on the streets and needed a jacket. Mills brought a jacket to Diamond.
“We see a lot of the same people often,” Mills said.
Spahn’s team members buy lemonade and iced tea as beverages other than water to accompany the Saturday lunches. They collect and bring clothing for the homeless persons they serve. They bring toys for the youngsters. And they supply some pet food for homeless persons caring for homeless animals.
Dennis, a homeless man who frequents the Saturday lunches, said that he lives in a tent, and asked that the whereabouts be left unknown. He cares for four or five homeless cats. One of his tents was stolen, and some of his supply of cat food was stolen too.
“I’ve been homeless off and on, since I came here to San Diego in 1988,” Dennis said.
Mills also serves with Father Joe’s Auxiliary.
“Father Joe’s is the best organization,” Mills said. “We want to make a difference, we want to show these people some care. Life on the streets can be very hard and stressful. They can come in and rest for about three hours. That’s a nice respite from being always on guard.”
Mills concluded, “This is the best part of my week.”
Julia Paul-Fisher, who was serving with her family from The Rock Church, agreed.
“I’ve volunteered in all kinds of places, once with Lions and Tigers and Bears. This is my favorite volunteering.”
