With Every Hot Meal We Deliver, We Offer a Friendly Smile and a Listening Ear

“And who is my neighbor?” – Luke 10:29

St. Vincent Meals on Wheels answers the call to care for those in need, focusing on our homebound and hungry seniors. Our mission is profound yet simple: to deliver food and love to those who may feel forgotten. We reach out to people from all walks of life—an Army Sergeant navigating the challenges of PTSD from fighting in a long-ago war, a retired City Hall worker who revitalized downtown Los Angeles and now lives in a one-room studio in a rundown hotel, and a great-grandmother whose family members live far away. Each has contributed meaningfully to our society but now finds themselves more vulnerable and in need of support.

Just as the Good Samaritan acted quickly to help a man in need, our work aims to reflect that spirit of mercy and action. With every hot meal we deliver, we offer a friendly smile and a listening ear, recognizing that our clients are neighbors who deserve dignity and respect, no matter their race, religion, or economic background. We see and hear these individuals, serve them with food and love, and care for the whole person.

Mercy is more than just a feeling—it’s a call to action. When a client faces an emergency, our dedicated staff and volunteers respond quickly, ensuring immediate help and staying with them until aid arrives. If someone misses a meal or doesn’t answer the door, we follow up to check on their well-being and notify family members if needed. To fight loneliness, we connect our homebound clients with friendly volunteers who make regular phone calls, offering companionship and helping to reduce social isolation.

As we reflect on the Good Samaritan, we see that our love for neighbors shows through everyday acts of kindness and care. This important work depends on our donors’ generosity and our volunteers’ dedication. By living this spirit, we build a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, making sure no one faces their struggles alone and that everyone has a chance to thrive.