“’In my book,’ Jesus says, ‘When you serve the least of these, you are serving me.’”
Linda Clodfelter experienced that service firsthand. At one point in her life, she was what society might have termed “the least of these.” After an avalanche of medical bills, she and her children found themselves homeless.
She found her way to SVdP Indy and began receiving support: a bike for transportation, a referral to a shelter, and hot meals through SVdP Indy’s Beggars for the Poor ministry.
Linda felt cared for during this trying time and immediately wanted to be part of providing hope—even though she was still without a place to call home. Linda volunteered at SVdP’s Distribution Center, helping sort clothes for those in need.
When she got back on her feet with an apartment and a job, she stayed connected to the organization. Not only did she get furniture through the local SVdP Indy Conference, but she also continued to volunteer, donating time twice a week.
Clarity, Even For Those Who Serve
Then in 2014, she felt called to serve in an even larger volunteer role: coordinating the homeless ministry. Initially, she would visit churches and community organizations to share her personal experience with homelessness. She wanted to raise awareness and funds for those with so little.
“Out of chaos comes clarity,” she says. “Our plans work out through the tremendous influence of God.”
Today, that ministry is still thriving. Linda and a small but mighty team serve a warm-plated meal to the unsheltered every Tuesday through Saturday. On average, they serve about 50 people each day—and sometimes as many as 70.
“Only after you’ve met someone’s basic needs can you counsel or minister to them,” she explains.
Not only is she providing hope for those who wait in line for the warm meal and other essentials, but she’s also helping “her guys” realize that out of their chaos can come clarity.
The men who work with Linda five mornings a week are residents of Love Your Neighbor Center (LYNC), SVdP Indy’s supportive housing unit. They were all previously unsheltered and working to rebuild their lives. One of the requirements of living at LYNC is that residents serve with SVdP Indy in some capacity.
For Kevin, who went to culinary school, working with Linda has reminded him of his passion for food as a connector of people.
“St. Vincent de Paul has given me an avenue of sorts to follow my dream,” he says. “I’ve been able to re-invent myself with the culinary program and homeless ministry and helping Linda out.”
For all of them, Linda says, it’s provided a sense of purpose.
“It doesn’t matter where you are in life, we all have something to contribute,” Linda says. “This work gives each of them a sense of self-worth and respect.”
Eric, another LYNC resident and volunteer agrees: “It’s saved my life. It feels good to have someone care about you, and everyone here takes good care of you.”
Dinner, With A Side of Dignity
That same sense of self-worth and respect is handed out with each meal to our unsheltered neighbors. Every person who comes for a meal receives a hot meal that’s plated, just like it would be in a restaurant.
“I joke that we like serving it sexy,” Linda laughs. “It’s a meal that looks nice and tastes great. We bring them in 10 at a time to sit down, eat and find peace for a little while. We’re giving them a form of dignity. It’s our way of saying, ‘We care about you.’ Food helps do that—especially a warm meal.”
Ingredients for the meals are provided by Second Helpings through donations they receive. If you want to support their efforts, consider donating protein bars or smoothies, canned chicken/tuna/salmon, or canned vegetables or fruit. Drop off (or ship) donations to SVdP Indy, 1201 E. Maryland Street, Indianapolis, IN 46201 Attn: Unsheltered Ministry.
Linda says extra hands are also welcome. Sign up using this online form. Be sure to select “Unsheltered Ministries.”
