Warming hearts by feeding homeless
Hundreds of homeless people were treated to Chinese food on Saturday in celebration of the Lunar New Year in Phoenix.
Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is Tuesday.
Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) and the Human Services Campus, who open their doors to Phoenix’s homeless population to provide solutions to end homelessness, partnered with the Chinese Restaurant Association to feed their guests.
“What we want to do is to give back to the community,” said Garry Ong, the owner of Mu Shu Asian Grill. “We do business in the community, so we like to give back.”
Ong, one of the founders of The Chinese Restaurant Association of Phoenix, said the smiles on people’s faces made everything worth it.
“When people come by and pick up the food, I see the expression and they’re so happy and so thankful and that is just so rewarding,” Ong said.
The Human Services Campus, near Jefferson Street and 15th Avenue, was teeming with people enjoying the food, live music and the cool weather.
CASS CEO Lisa Glow estimated nearly 1,000 people were fed during the event.
“The Chinese Restaurant Association is here and bringing their hearts, and their hearts to their cooking, and some joy to people,” Glow said.
Hundreds of plates of chicken, pork, rice and eggrolls were handed out to the people within the campus as the Latino Rebel Band played reggae and rock music.
“We struggle as a band and we know the feeling of struggling,” said Paul Chavez, a member of the Latino Rebel Band. “Just to help out and give a day of just music for people, we’re all about it.”