Volunteers Take Yuletide Cheer to the Streets

Amid the drizzling rain, about 70 homeless people lined up along a sidewalk here Sunday, awaiting a Christmas meal trimmed with noodles, egg rolls and fried rice--and just as important, the chance of winning a sleeping bag.

The small line, fed by a group of Vietnamese American volunteers, seemed like just a drop of water in an ocean of homelessness in the county. But for the handful of social service providers, and recipients, it was the best way to spend the holiday.

“This is the happiest way I could spend Christmas,” said program organizer Khoi Vu, passing out Christmas cards to the homeless. Squinting through eyeglasses speckled with raindrops, he added, “It makes me happy to help others.”

Although the outdoor program in the heart of Santa Ana couldn’t compare to larger programs, such as the one at the Rescue Mission, it was a heartfelt effort.

“This is beneficial for people. It’s such a selfless thing, it makes me feel a way I can’t describe,” said John Devereaux, who has been living on and off the streets for the past five years.

Stationed just across from the mission, the makeshift buffet was supplied with sodas, food bags bulging with fruit, and boxes of new sleeping bags and blankets. There was a drawing for the coveted bags. Volunteers young and old endured the rain with smiles as flute music played in the background. Despite the language barriers, the volunteers communicated with patrons through the process of giving and receiving.

“I came here today because I have received a lot of good things from American people when I immigrated here. It’s time for us to do something in return,” said Vu, who started the food program five months ago. “It’s about giving equally from the heart.”

Chaplin Jim Womack, with the Rescue Mission, said community charity groups frequently appear on that same street corner. Citing greater awareness of homelessness, he attributed the mission’s success in their Christmas dinner this year to more community involvement.

“These small groups come at least twice a week. People come out and give from the heart,” Womack said. “When you’re talking about homeless people, you’re talking about people who are down and out, with no glimmer of hope. But by the act of giving, no matter how small or big, they are the hope giver.”

The mission’s annual Christmas Day dinner this year was an unexpected success. As waves of men, women and children were shepherded out of the rain and into the dry and warm shelter, an estimated 2,000 meals were served and 300 food boxes and toys were passed out.

After fearing the worst, the mission was actually deluged with donations of food, clothing and goods, and a relieved and elated Womack said the surplus would tide them over for events in 1995.

“The harvest is truly plentiful. You would think donations would decrease with the bad economy, but no, it’s increasing,” Womack said.

But that wasn’t the case everywhere.

Just several blocks away, the Southwest Community Center opened its doors to almost 200 people during its four-hour Christmas meal program. Although the turnout was as successful as anticipated, the center has faced severe cutbacks because of the lack of donations and a growing need for social services, said Tyrone Tripp, the center’s president.

“This is the worst year we’ve ever had. We’re facing a $30,000 deficit. In previous years, we were able to serve up to 800 people. Now we’re down to 200,” Tripp said.

Struggling to maintain services, Tripp said the sporadic success stories he has seen through a lifetime of service makes him hopeful that the program will continue. At times, he said, former homeless clients would return with jobs, a new home and a willingness to volunteer.

One example is Gerald Williams, 40, who came with nothing from Louisiana. Now he holds two odd jobs waiting tables and lives out of a van he purchased. When not working, he returns to the center to receive help and assist others.

“I don’t have anything to give, so I try to give back by volunteering my services,” Williams said.

For many without homes, Christmas can be a hard and lonely time. Rex Rodriguez was released from jail just two months ago, only to end up on the cold streets of Santa Ana. Although freedom was the best gift this season, he said the struggle to find a job can be discouraging.

Determined to turn his life around, he left the Southwest Community Center with a word of hope, “Leaving jail was like Christmas. But the past few months I never slept in so many back seats in my life. This is no way to live.

“It’s a nice feeling to get a bite to eat from people helping us like this. Makes me realize I need to get a car and find a roof over my head every day. It’s going to be tough but it’s worse on the streets,” he said.