On Saturday, December 10^th Global Health Force teamed up with Mercy House to hold the annual holiday dinner for the homeless at St. Martin de Porres Church in Yorba Linda.  Around 130 homeless men, women and children arrived on buses from the Santa Ana Civic Center and were welcomed by GHF volunteers.

People signed in to a log book and then were presented with gifts of socks and ponchos. Next, they stood in line patiently waiting for a hot dinner of chicken, carnitas, rice, beans, tortillas, and various types of cakes.

The warm atmosphere along with the lively Christmas music playing in the ackground lifted everybody’s spirits and allowed them to converse and relax in a safe, comforting environment.

While signing in people at the doors and handing out desserts, I was able to get to know the folks a little better, whether it be their preference for strawberries or peaches or their love for rock music.  My experience at the event was very rewarding.  I realized how grateful I should be for everything I have taken for granted my whole life. Hearing them thank me graciously, I came to the realization that even the little things we do can mean a lot.  Although a dinner and a mat to sleep on for one night may not seem like much, it holds a huge significance for the homeless and provides them with a place they can call home, at least for the night.

By Brittany

Spring 2011: Global Health Force, working with local groups served five dinners to the homeless at the Santa Ana Civic Center. GHF also gave out backpacks and socks to the homeless.

Christmas Eve 2010: Global Health Force sponsored a holiday dinner for the homeless at the Santa Ana through the Armory Emergency Shelter. Our volunteers served tacos with carnitas and carne asada, fried rice, egg rolls, steamed vegetables, and a variety of cakes and beverages. GHF gave out backpacks, rain ponchos, socks, and nail clippers.

GHF strives to serve the poor and underserved in our local communities as well as those living abroad. We are always looking for local partners and opportunities to help those in need at home.

On a rainy Saturday evening the last thing I wanted to do, after working the night shift on Friday was to volunteer at the Santa Ana Armory with the homeless, but I was wrong. After a few U-turns, my husband and I arrived at our destination to a warm welcome from Phuong and Lynn Tran. The Armory was bustling with volunteers preparing sleeping pads, clothes and food for their weekly Saturday night guests. Read the rest of this entry »

Thirty-five volunteers were at hand to provide various services: Consultations with physicians, dentists, pharmacists, dieticians, therapists and nurses.  Screenings for cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, nutrition needs and vision. The flow: organized, the atmosphere: almost festive. Everyone seemed happy.  About two hundred patients participated in the event, many whom do not carry insurance or have not seen a health care professional in some time. Another vital role was the presence of substance abuse counselors and social workers that gave valuable assessments and advice. Most appreciated is the patient follow up that these health care professionals will make, for those in need.