Each Wednesday at the Downtown Welcome Table a hot lunch is served to an average of 300 people, three quarters of whom are homeless or living in poverty.
A key goal of the Downtown Welcome Table is to foster relationships along lines of diversity. People who might not otherwise come to know each other develop a friendship over a shared meal.
Those who come and sit together for lunch are individuals who carry all their worldly possessions in a ragged backpack as well as privileged professionals, stay-at-home moms, and students.
The use of cloth napkins, flowers, and real china send the message… you deserve the very best, and are meant to counter the notion often held by those living on the streets that handouts, hand-me-downs and leftovers are all I deserve.
Lunch is served family style and folks are invited to linger over the meal as in a nice restaurant or dinner at home. There are three seatings each Wednesday — at 11:00, 11:45 and 12: 30. Reservations are not necessary!
To volunteer with the Downtown Welcome Table or other Haywood Street ministries, please contact Rev. Shannon Spencer at revsspencer@haywoodstreet.org or 828-575-2477.
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