At first it dispensed aid to hungry homeowners rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina. Then the reconstruction volunteers came by the thousands. And so for the past five years, the volunteer ministry of Trinity Episcopal Church has dispensed nearly 100,000 meals, five and six days a week to the young men and women in kerchiefs and tool belts working in neighborhoods all over metro New Orleans.
“After five years, we’re still serving volunteer groups — and that’s wonderful,” said Claire DeBow, the ministry’s only paid staffer. “After we’ve served them they say thank you. And we say, ‘No, thank you. Thank you for being here.’ ”
While still serving volunteer work crews, the ministry has begun to shift focus — showing up with food, coffee, warm clothing and odds and ends to help the homeless around New Orleans.