Self-reliance and independence are being served up at the Upper Room Mission.
The non-profit agency will stop providing meals to the general public Saturdays and Sundays because of a concern it’s fostering a sense of entitlement.
“Its become habit, it’s familiar,” said Lisa Froom, general manager.
“If they’re hungry, they just come here. It’s way too easy.”
By turning to the mission consistently, Froom says many people haven’t developed cooking skills or don’t know how to shop or budget.
On average, 200 to 250 meals a day are served at the mission.
Three public meals a day will continue to be provided Monday to Friday, but it was decided to close on the weekends because other services are available, such as the street lunch program Saturdays at All Saints Anglican Church.
Froom also believes people should be able to address their own food needs for one or two days, and if they can’t, will that lack of self-reliance prevent them from finding a job or going to school.
“There’s a dependence and entitlement that’s not healthy,” she said.
The new structure has been discussed with the mission’s clients.
“The feedback was very positive,” said Froom.
“One fellow says he has a stove at his place and he talked to another person and they have eggs. They’re going to get together.”
The mission’s board opted for the restructuring because of a shift in demographics. The number of homeless using the mission has decreased while those who are housed — including families and seniors — has grown.
There’s been an influx of young people in their early 20s in the last six months.
“We’re still available during the week but there are people who could be helping themselves,” said Froom
All registered clients will have the ability to participate in Fresh Start, which will focus on health, finances, relationships, self-esteem and life goals.
“We will help them with cooking skills. We want them to be prepared to look after themselves,” said Froom.
“We’re not setting anyone up for failure. There will be small successes and we’ll keep moving forward.”
Consistent participation in Fresh Start may lead to weekly food hampers being provided.
For those people who are truly homeless, nothing will change.
The Upper Room Mission will continue to provide meals, seven days a week, for individuals residing at the Gateway Shelter.
Froom admits there may be speculation that ending weekend public service is a cost-cutting measure.
“Our motivation doesn’t have anything to do with finances,” she said, adding that the charity has a responsibility to donors of food and money.
“We want to be good stewards because we’ve been blessed by the community. We want to say to them that we are doing the best we can and are moving people forward.”
