On July 1, Newsday published an article titled “Homeless man killed near Grand Bazaar,” highlighting the tragic death of an unidentified man in a hit-and-run accident on June 29. This incident, though overlooked by many media outlets, underscores the plight of the homeless, who often remain invisible to society. These individuals, resilient yet vulnerable, are frequently seen sleeping on sidewalks, scavenging for food, and begging for money. Despite past and future budget allocations aimed at addressing homelessness and hunger, the impact remains minimal, as funds often fail to reach those in need. In contrast, the Jubilee Memorial Presbyterian Church in Caroni has taken a proactive approach through its Feed the Need initiative. Every Sunday for over six years, the church prepares and distributes 130 meals to the homeless, funded not by the church’s coffers but by its members and even non-Presbyterians. This program, inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ, serves as a model of volunteerism and compassion. The initiative not only provides sustenance but also fosters a sense of community and hope among the recipients. The author, witnessing this effort, reflects on the broader issue of hunger in the country and the Caribbean, questioning who will feed the hungry on the other six days of the week. The church’s dedication to alleviating poverty through direct action challenges the notion that religious institutions are stagnant or irrelevant. Instead, it demonstrates how faith can translate into tangible support for the destitute, emphasizing that helping the poor should be a fundamental human desire, not just a religious duty.
