Hosea Helps brings Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of families in need across Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – On Thanksgiving, the caravan of delivery drivers showed up early. At Hosea Helps, volunteers will be taking a warm meal to hundreds of families in need across Atlanta.

“It’s a great testament of love from Atlanta’s residents to Atlanta’s residents,” said Awodele Omilami, CEO of Hosea Helps.

Omilami said they’re providing a meal to more than 1,300 people citywide.

He said that includes 670 children, 350 seniors and roughly 200 unhoused individuals.

“It’s an eye opener of all the need that’s in the Atlanta area. It’s also really heartwarming to see all these families together,” said Stephan, one of the 60 volunteers at Hosea Helps on Thursday.

The food was prepared by Michael Matthews, catering chef for the Atlanta Falcons.

“I’ve been up for two days straight cooking and preparing. And everything. I just thinking just being here watching this is super amazing,” said Matthews, on Thursday.

The caravan left the southwest Atlanta warehouse by midday, venturing to senior housing, homes, and encampments across Atlanta.

We met David Gold at Peachtree Senior Towers among the 50 tenants who received a warm meal.

“It’s all about sharing love and recognizing food and shelter are the two most important things we can have,” Gold said.

Omilami said the meal is just the beginning of the work that their volunteers to build connection and help those in need.

He said the meal gives them a foot in the door to help bigger needs.

“I’ll know whose being evicted, I’ll know whose lights are turned off, I’ll know whose fleeing domestic violence,” said Omilami.

He said his volunteers will return next week to start addressing these more fundamental issues. He said they’ll help retore utilities, prevent evictions, and help move people from cars to hotel to homes.

Omilami said their work is made possible by personal and corporate donations. You can find more information on how to help here.

“This is the city showing up to take care of itself,” said Omilami.

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