Did you know that 25 percent of New York City’s homeless people are employed? These people are trying to provide for themselves, but still need a helping hand. That’s why nearly every Friday for the past twelve years, between the hours of 5:00 to 8:15 a.m., Ira Riklis has been serving hot breakfasts and sack lunches at New York City’s Central Synagogue Caring Committee. The group began serving meals in 1983. That first year, they served 6,800 meals. Today, they’re serving in excess of 16,000 meals a year.
They’re the only “soup kitchen” in the area that serves meals at that time of the morning. Those morning hours were chosen to provide the working homeless and those looking for work a head start on their day. Those who come to them are often taking the first step in socialization and an entry into functioning society. That’s one reason Ira Riklis makes it a point to show up at those early hours. The group is staffed almost entirely by volunteers. There’s a need for these services in many, many cities and towns throughout the U.S. Maybe you can find a group near you and spare some time to give them a hand.