The Impact of St. Luke’s Volunteers at Coalition for the Homeless

Thirty-seven years ago, I joined a small group of volunteers from St. Luke’s preparing meals for Coalition for the Homeless. What started as a simple act of kindness has grown into a deeply meaningful ministry that touches hundreds of lives each month, including mine.

Over the years, I’ve seen the faces of homelessness change, from men on the streets of downtown Orlando to women and families with nowhere to sleep and not knowing where they’d get their next meal. Families, single parents, women, men, veterans, and senior citizens —each with their own story of struggle—come through the doors of Coalition. Some are facing sudden, life-altering circumstances, while others are navigating challenges they’ve lived with for years. The one constant is their courage to keep going.

Every third Saturday, we prepare dinner for 350 individuals at Coalition. It’s no small task. From chopping vegetables to making quiches and serving homemade soup, it takes a team of dedicated volunteers to make it happen. And yet, it never feels like “work.” There’s something deeply satisfying about serving a fresh, wholesome meal to someone who otherwise may not know where their next one will come from.

I’ll never forget a gentleman who helped out in the kitchen while seeking temporary shelter at Coalition. One day, he came back specifically looking for our group, waving outside the kitchen window until he got my attention. When he had the chance, he said, “I just wanted to say thank you. I am now a big rig mechanic and buying my first house, and life is so much better now.” His gratitude was palpable, and his story was a powerful reminder that what we do goes far beyond serving meals. It’s about offering hope, encouragement, and love that can help someone take steps toward a better future. Moments like these make every effort worthwhile.

But here’s the truth: the need is greater than ever. The 2023 Point-in-Time Count found more than 2,200 homeless individuals in our area on a single night. That’s 2,200 stories of resilience and 2,200 reasons to keep showing up.

Serving at Coalition isn’t just about what we give—it’s also about what we receive. For me, volunteering has been a journey of growth and gratitude. It’s a reminder of the simple yet profound ways we can make a difference. Whether it’s a kind word, a warm meal, or a shared smile, these small acts ripple outward in ways we may never fully understand.

If you’ve ever felt a nudge to serve, I encourage you to join us. Sign up to donate food. Come chop vegetables on a Friday afternoon. Help us cook chicken jambalaya or ice cupcakes on a Saturday. Serve a plate of food with a smile. You’ll find that the experience nourishes your soul as much as it helps others.

We may not solve homelessness overnight, but together, we can offer hope—one meal, one person, one act of love at a time.

Beth Ely

St. Luker and long-time volunteer with Coalition for the Homeless