I too volunteer with my church, Riverview United Methodist Church and the Ormond by the Sea Lions Club one day per month to help feed the hungry. Not all of these people are homeless, but many just do not have enough food to last them all month, especially the ones with young children. This helps them stretch their food dollars and make it through the month without going hungry or going without nutritious food. On an average day there are 20 to 25 volunteers that come in at 9 am to help prepare a meal, serve and cleanup. We feed between 180 and 300 people per day, 7 days a week, 363 days a year. As I said, these are all volunteers. We are not paid one penny. Most of the people are very grateful and express that to us. They are happy to come and made to feel very welcome. There are, now and then the one or two that complain, but they are few. I was so shocked to see a bad review on here, but I guess this person felt the need. I do hope they will look into their heart and realize that without places like this there would be no help. The kindness of people are what keep it going. Unfortunately not everything is free, especially when it comes to housing. There are so many expenses to pay and in being fair and trying to help as many as possible when someone gets employed they are expected to contribute, even if it is a small sum. HUM is an awesome organization and I am thankful that I am a part of it.
As an American veteran in need of temporary housing while getting back on my feet in Daytona Beach I wound up at Halifax Urban Ministries. In exchange, hum gets approximately $1420 per month from the American taxpayers for a simple room and one meal per day. In addition, after I found suitable part time employment in the area, hum decided to pick my pockets at the rate of $200 per month, thus crippling my efforts to find decent housing and providing nothing in return. All my assistance is currently being provided by another organization. A typically grubby American "non-profit". Don't believe any false propaganda being created by hum. These people are on the take.
Photos of the housing and meager food rations provided by hum will be provided at a later date.
My wife and I serve at this wonderful place. We volunteer at a Food Pantry in Bunnelle, a "soup kitchen", also in Bunnell, and at HUM in Dayton Beach.
I read a critical review of HUM and thought I would present a truthful review. This place is supported by volunteers from various churches in the area on a rotating basis. How could anyone criticize a facility that does nothing but provide free meals to those in need. What could motivate a negative review of an institution that only GIVES.
The last time we served, at the beginning of March, we fed over 250 people, supplied them with sandwiches, hot soup, hot vegetables, fresh salad, oodles of pastries, tea and lemonade. The volunteers spend all morning getting ready to serve and the serving and cleaning up. We don't get paid. The "clients", those that we feed are so grateful and so appreciate the love and care provided there. My personal view is that by giving we fill their hearts which is maybe more important than feeding their stomachs. Somebody CARES.
I suggest that those who would criticize should jump in and participate. There are always people who stand on the sidelines and complain. Get on the field and participate. You will be blessed as we are.
Keep rolling H.U. M. Your services are God Sent.
