Volunteering at Urban Angels is one of our staff’s favorite opportunities to volunteer all year. Although this year looked a little different than in years past, there was still a wonderful time had by all. Due to the Coronavirus restrictions, we were not able to serve the meal directly to the residents; instead, we were able to make and plate the meal in the Connections Housing kitchen, and the meals were delivered by the case workers.
Urban Angels is a non-profit that works directly with PATH San Diego’s Connections Housing to help members of the homeless community get back on their feet and actively back in society. Participants in the program live onsite in the dormitories and receive help and direction regarding employment, outreach, interim housing, and permanent supportive housing.
Our staff thoroughly enjoyed cooking, baking, and preparing the plates for the residents. Our staff member Lisa Wright was impacted by the fact that Urban Angels has not had anyone volunteer to prepare a meal in over six months due to COVID. The staff on hand have been providing everything and were extremely grateful for our help. She was thankful that her efforts could “put a smile on their faces.” Jenn Johnson had never heard of Urban Angels. She said, “I loved the building and the program and everything they are doing. It is amazing!” She went home after volunteering to read up and learn more about the program and is inspired to take her children to volunteer there in the future. Another staff member, Tanner Anderson, said, “I really liked knowing that what we were doing was such an incredible act of service for the residents and the employees in such a crucial time in the world. I also liked seeing how the TIS team came together and got so much work done in that short period of time!”
Partnering with Urban Angels was exactly what our staff at The Insurance Store needed. We were uplifted and inspired by serving others.