Food for the Hungry
LYN HILDENBRAND, executive director of The Gathering, remembers sitting down for a meal with one of the meal program's guests. He told her how he used to have a good job and owned a home. But when he came down with a serious illness, he spent months in the hospital and racked up enormous bills. Shortly after his stay, he lost his job. Unable to pay his bills, the man lost his house. He ended up on the streets, where he came to one of The Gathering's four Milwaukee-area locations for a free meal.
“He never thought this could happen to him,” Hildenbrand says. “This could be happening to your next-door neighbor right now, and you don't even know it. When you see people on the streets, who are without, treat them with dignity and respect – that's what it's all about.”
The Gathering has been operating in Milwaukee for 40 years. It provides 10 to 11 free meals a week for the hungry or homeless individuals, prepared at four distribution sites. It also provides meals to the Cathedral Center homeless shelter and Benedict Center supporting women affected by the criminal justice system. The Gathering serves 60,000 meals every year, with the help of over 1,500 volunteers.
“We're providing meals, but we also want to make sure everyone feels welcome and engaged,” Hildenbrand says. “We treat everyone like they're coming to our home to eat.”
Besides operating their locations and serving meals, The Gathering also partners with the city of Milwaukee Health Department, Housing Authority and Hunger Task Force to help with mental health, housing issues and even vaccinations. Next year, Hildebrand plans to implement a new program to provide after-school dinners for Milwaukee children at Our Next Generation neighborhood center.
“We turn nobody away, and we ask no questions,” she says. “We don't make you do paperwork; we don't make you show us an ID; we don't make you tell us your income level. You come to eat, you sit down and enjoy.”
What We Do:
For 40 years, The Gathering has been preparing an average of 60,000 fresh, nutritious meals annually for Milwaukee's hungry and homeless at four meal distribution sites. It serves breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and lunch and dinner-to-go bags on Saturdays.
The Gathering partners with other meal programs and social services organizations to alleviate hunger and address root causes and problems associated with hunger and poverty.
The organization also distributes supplies to those in need, including toiletries, socks, outerwear, bottled water, blankets and more.
Where Your Money Goes:
Financial support helps The Gathering provide meals to those who would otherwise go without. It pays for food and supplies, as well as facility upkeep.
With a staff of nine, The Gathering relies heavily on volunteers. You can sign up to help on its website.
804 E. Juneau Ave. 414-272-4122 thegatheringwis.org