Saint Mark Baptist Church Hosts Annual Feast of Hope, Serving Meals and Services to Little Rock’s Homeless Community

Saint Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, hosted its annual Feast of Hope event, providing essential services and a sense of community to the city’s homeless population. On a chilly Tuesday morning, the church’s Family Life Center opened its doors to hundreds in need, offering warmth, a hot pre-Thanksgiving meal, and various essential services.

From 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers worked alongside partner organizations to serve food and provide free health screenings, flu shots, hygiene kits, legal assistance, and access to workforce programs. Sleeping bags and gently used clothing were also available to attendees. For many, like Bradley Diffee, who has faced homelessness since 2016, the Feast of Hope is more than just a meal; it is a vital connection to the community. Diffee, who has been attending the event since 2017, likened the atmosphere to a family gathering, emphasizing the importance of seeing familiar faces and receiving ongoing support.

Allan Graves, the church’s outreach pastor, highlighted the Feast of Hope as an opportunity to bless those who are unhoused and anyone in need of a hot meal during the holiday season. The event serves hundreds and offers resources such as legal and health services, a flu shot clinic, barbers, hygiene kits, and sleeping bags. Graves emphasized the church’s commitment to caring for the community, reflecting the biblical call to serve the least among us, as articulated in Matthew 25.

Throughout the morning, guests enjoyed hot cocoa, cider, coffee, and doughnuts while engaging in activities like bingo, waiting for lunch to be served. Graves encouraged those in need to seek assistance without hesitation, underscoring the universal nature of hardship. This year’s Feast of Hope was supported by several partner organizations, including the Arkansas Department of Health, Baptist Health, Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, Goodwill Industries, and Our House. The event took place at the Saint Mark Baptist Church’s Family Life Center, located at 5722 W 12th Street in Little Rock.

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