CCS takes over dinner meal

Intermountain Catholic

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Since Catholic Community Services took over the evening meal service at Saint Vincent de Paul Dining Hall, the number of meals served has increased from 300 to 800 each night. IC photo/Laura Vallejo

SALT LAKE CITY – Oct. 1 marked the day that several community groups, together with the staff from Catholic Community Services (CCS), stepped up and took over the serving of evening meals for the most needy people at St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall.

After 21 years The Salvation Army discontinued serving evening meals for the homeless at the dining hall; Sept. 30 was the last evening meal prepared and served by the Salvation Army.

Weeks ago in a press conference CCS officials announced they were going to take over the evening meal’s preparation and distribution at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall.

"This is a huge day for Catholic Community Services, but not only Catholic Community Services alone, it’s a huge day for the community," said Jose Lazaro, CCS development director, at the time. "We’re just so pleased and delighted that we are able to work with our community partners, our local government and all the volunteers who are truly the magic behind this meal service and to continue this service which is really needed in our community."

Homeless advocates calculate that there could be around 15,000 homeless people in Utah. As the recession lingers, they say more homeless, as well as low-income families, will enter the gates at St. Vincent de Paul to use whatever services are available.

CCS is seeing the increased need.

"Before we were served an average of 300 dinners, and now we can serve up to 800 meals every evening," said Monica Rich, an intake coordinator from CCS.

Frank Bixenman, a volunteer with CCS, has been living on disability for the last seven years because of terminal cancer. On the top of that, some months ago, his apartment complex burned down. Now he’s among thousands of people who rely on daily meals from the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall to survive.

CCS officials say it took a large number of church groups and business donations to make the evening meal happen.

"We have a great number of volunteers; we do have different companies that put different groups that came together," Rich said. "We also have all our staff helping. We are very grateful to all the volunteers and all the community."

To volunteer for the evening meals at St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall, call 801-636-7710 ext. 1416 or 801-428-1366.

CCS also is seeking food donations as well as monetary help to continue the evening meal.

"We need more food, we need people to come over and donate, especially sandwiches and money," said Rich.

St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room provides hot meals or sack lunches daily to low-income and homeless individuals and families. It is located at 437 West 200 South in Salt Lake City.