Even in just a tank top on a cold Christmas day, Rick Britton said he could feel the warmth of the free meal he ate at Home of Chicken and Waffles.
“Without this place, I would never have had Christmas dinner. So I appreciate it. I just want to thank them,” Britton said.
Britton is staying in a small shelter in West Oakland. In addition to the food, he picked up some new donated clothing due to the recent storms.
“All my stuff got wet, my clothes. So I bought new ones to keep me warm. Pants and shirts, a hot meal and something for my dog,” Britton said.
Derreck Johnson, owner of Home of Chicken and Waffles, partnered with Center of Hope and The City Eats to host the annual Christmas brunch near his Jack London Square restaurant.
“It’s my mother’s birthday today. She was born on Christmas Day. And we went out to feed the unsheltered community. And one year when we did that, it rained a lot. And we got wet, the food got wet, and my mom said, “Why don’t we just do this at the restaurant?” And I said that was a good idea,” Johnson said.
Organizers and volunteers said it felt better to give than to receive, especially in Oakland where there is so much need.
“We connect with people. It’s not just a give and go. But this is an opportunity for us to get to know the people in our community,” said Pastor Kevin Hurd of Restoration Hope Ministries.
And they got to know some of the less fortunate people very well, like Michael Babela. The 87-year-old is waiting for permanent housing.
“I live in a homeless shelter and have very little clothes. And that was the best meal I’ve had since I’ve been in Oakland,” says Babela, who spent a year in a shelter in Oakland.
Most people said they were grateful, grateful that they have not been forgotten.
And after his meal, Britton said he took a dozen meals to friends who live under a bridge. He said Christmas is about taking care of each other.
“I live in a small house, work hard and do what I have to do to get good housing,” Britton said.
Organizers estimate about 100 people stopped by for food, clothing and toys.
