Letter to the Editor: Shepherd’s Office offers ‘Bridge to Our Fridge’

Every day except Sunday, we open our fridge and give out free “grab-and-go” meals to our community of homeless, hungry or lonely in Georgetown.

We are hoping to build stronger bridges to the people who don’t have fridges. Or they may have a home, but they have an empty fridge at home.

We want to be there with them on the front lines of their poverty and despair. We love all our neighbors, no matter what. We don’t ask them to fill out any forms. We just say hello with enthusiasm and a welcoming smile. We then serve as many meals as they ask for (no matter what). Sometimes, people ask for 10 or more meals a day, and we ask no questions. We treat people with respect and dignity, and always think the best of them. Who are we to judge them or to try and figure out where all the food is going after we give it out to them? We just give and give, as our supplies last.

Our “no-paperwork” approach is working, and the word is spreading about our warm hospitality. We are now giving out about 150 free meals every day. We are so grateful to our many helpers! We also have given out over 20,000 free loaves of bread in 2021. We have given out over 20,000 free bottles of water, too!

We give out free clothing and host free yard sale events every day, as the weather permits and as our free supplies last. It is all free.

“Free everything” because we see ourselves as being out here on the battlefield of despair with people who have fallen through the cracks of our system of care. They have fallen out, and we see our job as helping them to fall back in, so they can again become productive members and residents of our community.

Of course, all this takes time and lots of conversations, which are oftentimes difficult conversations. But we show up every day, and we try to help in any way we can. Our team and I are so grateful to have this amazing opportunity to serve our neighbors in need, and we are also grateful to God for providing us with what we need to meet the basic needs of others.

Now that we are in the season of giving, please consider The Shepherd’s Office in your end-of-year giving plans. We strive and thrive on small “love” donations. Please mail a small donation to The Shepherd’s Office Inc., 408 N. Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947. More information can be found at theshepherdsoffice.webs.com.

“How we walk with the broken speaks louder than how we sit with the great” — Bill Bennot.

Jimmy Martin

Director, The Shepherd’s Office Inc.

Georgetown