On Wednesday, Dec. 20, Union Mission served close to 500 holiday meals provided by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to homeless individuals in need. Staff Zone, J.C. Lewis Health, and a clothing closet were also available for those seeking resources.

Keith McKay, a volunteer from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, was one of several volunteers who donated his time. “We got here this morning and we set up all the clothes and all the donations and the food and everything and now we’re just assisting people with what they’re needing, looking through various types of clothing on sizes and everything. Just assisting everybody as they go through here today,” McKay said.  

McKay, who often volunteers through his church, wanted to take the opportunity to lend a helping hand through work as well. “It humbles you. Once you see how people are in need, especially in this weather and downtown Savannah, it humbles you on how good you really have things. We all have good jobs at Gulfstream, and this humbles you, this shows you the other side of things.”

Jimmy Brown wasn’t expecting to attend the event and when asked how he learned about it, he said, “Word of mouth on the bus. I was going to do an interview for a job. I was up this way and I saw all the people out here lined up, see the clothes, so I wanted to see what was going on. So, I got in line, got me a plate, and got me a couple of sweaters that I need, a couple socks, got things that I need, so it worked out perfectly.”

Brown, who is currently staying at the Salvation Army, was thankful for the community’s outreach. “There’s a lot of caring people out here for people that are homeless, that need a meal, that needed some clothes, and I think it was a good day for Staff Zone, for the workers, help get jobs. So, it’s good for everybody. There’s something for everybody today.”

Union Mission puts on multiple events throughout the year as well as during the holiday season. “We work all year long on all these events. We have multiple events during the year where we serve meals to the homeless community, but also open up our clothing closet. So, we did this in the spring and in the summer and then we also do it around the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas,” said Michael Traynor, Union Mission’s CEO.

“I think it’s really important that when you meet a homeless person that you talk to them and when you talk to the individuals that come to this event, they’re extremely positive, they’re smiling, they’re getting the services that they need at least today and hopefully they’re going to be getting it beyond today and that’s where the difference is made,” Traynor said.

Union Mission works with the Chatham Savannah Homeless Authority and builds a 90-day plan to help individuals determine their needs. Finding transitional and permanent housing for homeless individuals are a big part of the services they provide. “If they have medical needs, we’ll connect with J.C. Lewis, Gateway, and other behavioral health organizations to help in those situations. But the great thing [is], Union Mission also has mental health counseling on staff and so we’re able to work directly with individuals right here on our property.”

For Jimmy Brown, Union Mission’s events and outreach services are much appreciated. “A lot of people show love, show kindness, help, giving meals, giving clothes. Love is what matters; caring is what matters. I just feel great,” he said.

This article appears in Connect Savannah I December 2023.