There’s no doubt that these are tough economic times for many. The population of homeless people—too large even in the best of times—is on the rise in cities across our nation. And it’s perhaps even more distressing to learn that many of the people who find themselves living on the streets, doorways and alleys of some of our most prosperous cities have jobs. Ira Riklis knows that as many as one-quarter of the homeless in New York are employed. The sad fact for these working poor is that their work doesn’t pay nearly enough to pay for a home or for regular, nourishing meals.
It’s people like these, along with those out there working hard just trying to find a job that the Central Synagogue Caring Committee kitchen tries to help by serving a good hot breakfast and sack lunches on Thursday and Friday mornings. They would like to do more, but with the growing need, it’s hard for them even to keep up at times. That they achieve what they do is a testament to their determination and to the fact that they rely almost entirely on the help of volunteers such as Ira Riklis, who rise early on those mornings and come out to help serve meals.