Huntsville Soup Kitchen Critically Low on Supplies

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – This week, WHNT NEWS 19 received an email reminding us that — despite some signs of improvement — the economy is brutal right now.

The message came from a woman who works at a soup kitchen in Huntsville.  She noted supplies were critically low.  It’s a persistent need in our community that can’t wait until the holiday season.

We are a couple of months away from the charitable holiday season, but the Rose of Sharon soup kitchen needs help year-round.

On Friday morning, workers prepared breakfast.

“The homeless need help year-round, you know, if you’re homeless in the summer time, it’s just as bad as if you’re homeless in the wintertime, you’re just dealing with different problems,” said Sharon Walker, founder of the Soup Kitchen.

As she and her colleagues cook, a small crowd gathers outside.  At nine o’clock, it’s breakfast time.

“Ok, guys, come on in,” said Debbie Patton, the assistant manager, as she unlocked the front door.

Recently, Patton sent an email to WHNT NEWS 19 out of desperation.

“Things are getting to a critical state here as far as donations go,” she wrote.

“Our furniture is down, our clothes are down, the food donations are down, just everything’s down right now,” she said.

She attributes it to the recession.

“People are scared,” said Patton.  “People are having to take care of their own families and themselves before they reach out.”

The staff sees the working poor, and people who are homeless, disabled or in poor mental health.  They’re not only adults.

“We’ve had some kids come in the last couple of weeks and that’s always sad,” said Patton.

The workers smile at their clients and serve what they have.  Nothing is bought — it’s all donated.

“So whatever it is that the Lord sends us, we figure that’s what He wants us to serve,” said Patton.

Through her email, she’s asked people to remember there’s a year-round need that tends to be forgotten outside the holiday season.

No one is turned away, but dwindling supplies can only go so far and even the smallest donation could make a big difference.
 
If you can help, please contact the Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen and Thrift Store at (256) 536-2970 or visit roseofsharonsoupkitchen.org.