ORLANDO, Fla. – It was the first time Gerard Kladde, who’s experiencing homelessness, sat down and enjoyed the Big Game in years.
“It’s the greatest feeling ever. I get the day off and I get to enjoy a football game today,” said Kladde.
The Christian Service Center hosted a watch party for the unhoused community, giving out hotdogs, burgers, drinks, and snacks to dozens.
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“There are thousands and thousands of people who are just trying to survive out there in the streets. We want to open up the campus, let them come inside, get out of the heat, and just put their feet up,” said Bryan Hampton, Development Director at the Christian Service Center.
Hampton says every year the center does a food and clothing drive called Soup-er Sunday, which leads up to the big game. This year, they decided to do something special for the people they serve.
“You could be able to come to a place and get treated with dignity, and you got options for food, clothing, showers, laundry, and mail service. Hopefully, they can get comfortable enough to open up and talk to a case manager,” Hampton said.
Kladde says he’s thankful that people are looking out for him and his friends.
“That means like everything in heaven and on earth to me, I feel like I’m gonna appreciate the labor of Jesus Christ.”
Hampton says they still need donations for the upcoming summer months and they continue to provide services to the homeless. To donate, click here.
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