Verbal Communications (3)Pgr;1 Lit ?lJZ3
The St. Luke's Pantry/Outreach Program has been serving food to our local unhoused since
the late 1980's with a grocery bag giveaway. This expanded in 2000 to a soup kitchen which is
open every Tuesday from 9:45-10:45 am. They serve up to 16 men and women„ almost all of
whom are regulars, and many who have either grown up in Los Gatos or resided here for
several decades.These Individuals receive a grocery bag of healthy food staples and a full
homemade meal prepared, and paid for by our loyal team of volunteers representing our faith
community and other dedicated individuals. .
St Lukes averages $200 a week for the grocery bag staples, or about $10,000 per year.. The
volunteers pay for the hot meals they serve. This program has received Town financial support
once several years ago when the shower and pantry services split a $7K grant. St Luke's most
generous donor remains the Afternoon Rotary Club who contributes $7K/year to the program
as a gift from their Annual Crab Feed. Morning Rotary prepares fresh meals as do Town
individuals. St Mary's supports the program in significant ways as does the Lion's Club and the
LGHS Girls' Basketball Team. Basic items like filled backpacks, sleeping bags, tents,
tarps,under clothing and toiletries are supplied as needed. Happy Dragon and food vouchers
are offered periodically. Many clients have their mail delivered to St Luke's.
Jo Greiner and her volunteers are highly appreciative of the service the Town police provide.
Officer Riley Frizzell is a regular on Tuesdays as is Detective Sergeant Bill Hoyt as time allows.
Police Chief Field also has observed the program.. These officers know the clients, and are
there to support both the service and those attending. Basic rules are expected to be followed
and violators are given a warning. Occasionally, individuals have been banned from the service,
either temporarily or permanently. Most, however, are cooperative and grateful and have a
good relationship with volunteers who serve with generosity and good will.
Beyond the food and basic necessities, these individuals have expressed a Strong desire for a
Public Restroom as well as Vouchers for a motel when the weather proves too challenging. (In
fact, several of our older folks have suffered both from hypothermia and heat exhaustion.)
Therefore, St Luke's strongly supports Councilman Rob Moore's Proposal for the Unhoused.