Facebook Pixel - PageView Event

From Living on the Streets to Volunteering at a Food Pantry

From Living on the Streets to Volunteering at a Food Pantry

When Paul took the initiative to turn his life around, it was thanks to his local food pantry, the Fred Jordan Mission.

A few years ago, Paul was living on the streets of Skid Row. Not only was he homeless, but he was addicted to drugs, had an aneurysm, and bone cancer, and had recently lost his mother. Paul had reached rock bottom.

With nowhere to go, Paul started going to the Fred Jordan Mission for food. The Mission, located in the Skid Row neighborhood in Downtown Los Angeles, welcomed him every time, offering him food, hygiene kits, clothes, and words of hope that would change Paul’s life. 

Paul felt welcomed each time, and slowly, started getting involved, helping out in any way he could. He started getting serious about volunteering more and more at the Fred Jordan Mission, and even though the delicious food was a drive, he enjoyed giving back to the community.

The Fred Jordan Mission has been helping individuals and families for over 80 years. Working with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, the Fred Jordan Mission is one of the few food pantries in the Skid Row neighborhood that offers hot meals, a highly sought-after plate in the neighborhood. 

Now, with his life turned around, Paul continues to give back as a volunteer, helping the Mission that helped him so much. He also communicates directly with those who live on the streets and need someone to talk to or simply offers a hot meal or anything that he and the Mission can help with.

By supporting the Food Bank, you’re helping programs like the one available at the Fred Jordan Mission thrive in its community. Consider donating to the Food Bank today.

Join the fight against hunger!

If you are in a position to do so, consider donating to the Food Bank and supporting our programs.

More Stories from the LA Regional Food Bank

International Families Association – Helping Individuals and Families Thrive Through Food Assistance

This LA Regional Food Bank partner agency has been helping neighbors in Glendale for over 25 years through food assistance.

Executive Summary: Recent USC Dornsife Study Reveals Food Insecurity Has Decreased, Nutrition Insecurity on the Rise

According to the USC Dornsife study, food insecurity is down 5% compared to 2023, while nutrition insecurity rose to 29%.

Older Adults Like Maricela Turn to Food Bank Partner Agencies for a Lifeline

Working with a fixed income, Maricela turns to an LA Regional Food Bank partner agency for food assistance.

How the Food Bank Fights Hunger During Summer Break

Hunger touches every corner of Los Angeles County—but so does hope. Learn more about ways to get involved with the Food Bank.

Stay Connected

Sign up for the latest in our fight against hunger.