EUGENE, Ore. — Dozens of volunteers with “Neighbors Feeding Neighbors” gathered at Washington Jefferson Park on Wednesday, December 25th, providing a Christmas meal to Eugene’s homeless community.
“It’s just affirming the dignity of every person. Every single person is a member of the community,” says Gabriel Scott, a volunteer for Neighbors Helping Neighbors. “And so, on a day, especially at Christmas, we all come together. And all means all.”
For the homeless community, the meal wasn’t just nourishment, it was a reminder of human connection and compassion.
“I just want people to know that you’re not alone,” says homeless resident Christopher Lewis. “You’re not the only one out there struggling.”
Earlier this month Neighbors Feeding Neighbors was threatened with arrests or citations by the Eugene Police Department (EPD) if they continued to serve in the park. EPD referenced alleged city code violations that the feeding group disputes.
Volunteer Richard Greene tells us, “There’s no risk on Christmas. Serving the poor is only blessings.”
“Life on the streets is full of risk all of the time and I think that this today is a moment of the absence of that,” says Gabriel Scott. “It’s warm for the community and it feels wonderful to be able to do. We’re grateful to be able to do this.”
While the food and fellowship provided a reprieve, the return to the harsh realities of life on the streets loomed large.
The Christmas Day event provided a warm meal, gifts, and most importantly, a space where homeless people could feel seen and cared for.