Every single Sunday for the past two decades in a small Hollywood parking lot, Food on Foot has been offering a free meal and an opportunity to overcome poverty to the area’s homeless community. This past Sunday marked the fourth consecutive year that dozens of Hilton & Hyland Helping Hands volunteers were onsite to help distribute food, clothing, and a smile to the 180 people in-need who came through the line. During their service the Hilton & Hyland volunteers met graduates of Food on Foot’s Work for Food program who have successfully transitioned from homelessness to working members in the community.
The Work for Food program helps approximately 40 individuals earn meals each week while building up their confidence and developing work practices to help transition back into society.
As a worker demonstrates reliability over time, Food on Foot will secure an apartment and a job for the individual. The program pays all basic living expenses for a period of three months. During this time workers must turn over their paychecks to hold un-cashed, adhere to drug tests, and obey all program rules. Upon graduation of the program, all of the worker’s paychecks are returned, giving them a nest egg to help continue their success. 85% of Food on Foot graduates remain employed after completing the program.
Hilton & Hyland Agent and long-time Food on Foot volunteer, Richard Maslan says, “The thing that I most appreciate about Food on Foot is the fact they offer a hand up and not just a hand out, for those who want to reclaim their lives this organization gives them that opportunity.” Richard has donated his time and money for the past ten years and has witnessed a number of homeless clients go from the weekly serving line to the work program and onto a successful transition from homelessness.
Food on Foot receives no federal funding and relies solely on donations and volunteer support. In fact, Hilton & Hyland has a large presence in the organization’s ‘$98 Club’ who have committed to donating $98 per month to support the organization’s mission and help solve the root of homelessness. To join the $98 Club and to learn more about how you can help be a part of Food on Foot, please visit their website or contact Jay Goldinger by phone.