SKID ROW, LOS ANGELES, California — “Prayer changes things,” said Latasha Knighten, as she stood in the heart of the one of the most dangerous and destitute areas of Downtown, Los Angeles. She was one of over 30 volunteers helping to deliver an early Thanksgiving meal last week to some 300 people who wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience it otherwise.
Individuals hailing from various walks of life, each with a different story to tell, lined up for a meal that might be considered humble by some accounts. For so many of them, the holiday season is a depressing time, as the majority of people there don’t have many family or friends. Yet, in the heart of Skid Row, there was much to be thankful for owing to the generosity of My Friends House Foundation and Fair Game food truck.
My Friends House is a 501(c)(3) non-profit human service organization that was founded by Tiffany Rose in 2008, in the belief that “no one should be deprived of the basic needs of life,” she told Breitbart News. The group seeks to help the economically disadvantaged with aid through food, clothing, toiletries, and spiritual motivation.
Fair Game food truck was started just seven months ago by French Chef Jean-Paul Peluffo: a French native who came to America 14 years ago with over 40 years of culinary experience. Peluffo has volunteered to donate food in over 40 different countries.
Chef Jean-Paul told Breitbart News that the meaning behind Thanksgiving is what motivated him to volunteer and donate his services on Wednesday. “I am the immigrant here… and we should give back,” he said, citing his inspiration for giving. “It is not that difficult to give something away and not expect something in return.”
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner consisting of over 300 lbs of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce was served to over 200 people. Bread, cookies, pastries, and fresh fruits were also served.
One of the recipients was a 20-something young woman by the name of PJ who was seeking a way to get out of her situation. She was grateful for the meal and also took the opportunity to find a dress, as she sifted through the contents of several boxes of donations. “It’s difficult,” she told Breitbart News. “I am told constantly that I need to get new clothing because the stuff I have right now smells.”
She and a volunteer stood together and spoke positive affirmations and prayed for the well-being of themselves and all those on Skid Row. Prayer was certainly a powerful and omnipresent force that Wednesday.
Knighten, who has worked with My Friends House for five years, referred to the help they offer the recipients of their aid as “blessings” — and rightly so. Latasha says many of the individuals who have received aid from My Friends House have been able to find themselves a shelter, room, or home.
On each of the volunteers’ shirts was a verse from the Bible from Matthew 25:35-40. Part of it read:
35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.
My Friends House is on Skid Row every Wednesday, rain or shine, handing out whatever “blessings” they are able to the people who need them the most.
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