Warm Hearts on a Windy Day: Local Art Studio and Ministry Join Forces to Aid the Homeless
On Tuesday, January 7th, members of New Destiny Church’s Feed the Homeless Ministry held their monthly “Feed the Homeless” event at the Unwind and Design Creative Studio in El Centro from 6-8 PM. A warm turkey dinner, a variety of donated clothing, toiletries, canned foods, desserts, sack lunches, champurrado and more were offered to the homeless that attended Tuesday’s event, all provided by members of the church and Kimberly Alfaro Massey, owner of Unwind and Design Creative Studio. “We invite people in, the word of God says to feed those that are hungry. To give clothes to those that need clothing, and to be a blessing to others,” said Robin Alvarez, 8 year member of the Feed the Homeless Ministry.
The Feed the Homeless Ministry holds their events every first Tuesday of every month where they typically set up tables and chairs outside on Brighton Avenue in El Centro, however, with the recent drop in temperature, an inside venue space became necessary for these events. “Here is a safe place where they can come sit down and enjoy a good meal, it’s also nice for them to be able to get out of the cold, sit down, feel safe and not have to watch their back,” said Robin Alvarez.
Kimberly Alfaro Massey, is a lifelong member of New Destiny Church, and she herself assists with feeding the homeless daily at her art studio. Kimberly was one of the grantees of the Far South Border North art grant in 2024, and she used her grant funds to promote food scarcity in the Imperial Valley through art events all held inside of her studio. At these events, she asked for the community to bring canned foods and other non-perishable foods in place of a ticket to enter. Otherwise, they had the option to pay $5 which went towards funding to aid those who are experiencing food insecurity.
With all of the food and money donations, Kimberly was able to purchase fresh foods that she stocks her “free food” fridge with at her studio along with a pantry where those who are experiencing homelessness and/or food insecurity can come in and grab food at no cost. “Growing up in church and being taught to love other people and be there for other people, it’s always been in my heart to be able to help my community which is why in my studio we’re always trying to help people,” said Kimberly Alfaro Massey.
“We never know what tomorrow will bring, we never know the impact we can make on their lives. We’re feeding them, giving them clothing, watches, shampoo, blankets, etc. A lot of times, they just need encouragement, guidance and direction, and we’re here to provide that for them to help them succeed in life,” said Robin Alvarez.
Last Edited: January 9 2025 12:39 PM
