St. Ben’s Community Meal rebuilds lives after theft of car, clothes and tools
“Steel toe shoes,” he said, “if only I had a pair I could have worked today.” Jeff stood on the line at St. Ben’s Community Meal and introduced himself as an out of work fork lift driver. He had been renting a room but became homeless when his car was stolen and he lost his job.

Jeff’s clothes, tools and safety equipment were in the car so he lost much more than his ride. “I came to St. Ben’s because I heard they could help me get an ID and had phone services. Br. Dave Schwab really helped me.”

Jeff shared how he was grateful for all of the help he received at St. Ben’s. “I didn’t know they would offer me so many services. It started with Br. Dave saying to me that he would make sure I was fed on my first night here. Since then I have come every night for the entire time I have been homeless and enjoying a really delicious meal each time!”

He continued, “Br. Dave also sent me to the Columbia-St. Mary’s Clinic here at St. Ben’s so I could apply for my GAMP card and receive limited medical insurance coverage.” Br. Dave said Jeff is someone who has made exceptional use of all of the resources St. Ben’s has been able to share. “It is very typical that people come to us for help with one problem and we are able to help them with other needs as well,” said Br. Dave.

Jeff said that Br. Dave also gave him a resource guide that outlined places he could go to get another copy of his birth certificate, apply for a replacement social security card and more. When Br. Dave learned that Jeff needed steel toed shoes to return to work, he said “St. Ben’s has already provided guests in need with a nursing uniform, chef’s pants and work shoes. We’ll make sure Jeff has a new pair of shoes too!”