Kaydenz Kitchen Food Pantry

Today’s shirt!!

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Unclaimed items never picked up

Drop us a text 207-577-7942 if interested and able to pickup

Does it really matter what's on the sign?

Today started with a simple phone call from the President of our Board of Directors. She had driven past a gentleman standing near the bridge holding a cardboard sign. But his sign wasn't asking for money. It had one simple message: "Looking for work." His phone number was written underneath.

Most of us have probably driven past someone holding a sign at some point. Maybe we glance. Maybe we avoid eye contact. Maybe we assume we already know their story.

After getting the phone call, I decided to find out instead of assume. I jumped in the car and drove over. He was still there. Went up to him and asked, "Are you really looking for work? Because I have a couple hours if you're interested."

This is the part where many people expect the story to go a different direction.

Some assume he'd turn the offer down. Some assume he'd rather have cash. Some assume he was only standing there for sympathy.

Instead, his face lit up. "You really have some work for me? I would love to help." I told him to meet me at our location around 12:15. His response? "I'll be there."

At 12:15 sharp, he rolled into our parking lot on his bicycle. Thirty minutes. Sixty minutes. Ninety minutes. Two hours. Three hours, he worked. Never complained, never slowed down, and he absolutely crushed it. When we were finished, he politely asked if he could have a couple of items he had come across while working. Then he simply said: "If you ever need more help, give me a call."

That's it. No demands. No entitlement. Just gratitude and a desire for another opportunity. Does this mean every story ends this way? Of course not.

Homelessness is complicated. Addiction exists. Mental illness exists. Trauma exists. Every person's story is different. But so do people like the man we met today. People who want to work. People who are willing to show up.

We don't share these stories trying to convince everyone that homelessness doesn't have its challenges. We share them because they remind us that stereotypes rarely tell the whole story. One conversation. One opportunity. One person. Sometimes that's all it takes to challenge a lifetime of assumptions.

So maybe the question isn't, "What's written on the sign?" Maybe the better question is, "Did we take the time to see the person holding it?"

Let's continue breaking the stigma surrounding homelessness, one real-life story at a time.

Almost 30 years ago I was dating a young, beautiful, passionate girl who loved helping others. She was a CNA at D’Youville getting ready to start nursing school.

Today, Kayden is working her first shift on the floor as a CNA at D’Youville, while going to school for her nursing degree.

The bond these two share is one of the greatest things I get to experience in life! The passion and energy passed on to our daughter will have a lasting impact for years to come.

We are expanding at a rapid rate and have a lot of changes in the works, but the sacrifices and dedication of these two amazing souls, has helped create a legacy to follow. ❤️

Kaydenz Kitchen Food Pantry
Alter 207 Thrift Store
KK Shelter Corporation
Alter L/A - Transitional Shelter

Come see us anytime Bobby Charles

Alter L/A - Transitional Shelter Team 💯