Dec. 17 HIGH POINT After a week of lower than average temperatures and light snow and freezing rain, the annual Dinner for the Homeless Community couldn't have come at a better time for some on Thursday night.
Approximately 400 people came to receive a free meal at Showplace, where numerous non-profit organizations and volunteer groups set up the dinner. Participating organizations included Open Door Ministries, Triad Health Project, Caring Services Inc. and more.
A program was held before the meal, allowing some homeless individuals to share their stories. Among them was Aquilla S., who omitted her last name. She said she became homeless after she found herself in an abusive relationship.
"I became a victim of domestic violence, and that's when I became homeless inside of myself," she said. "I lost my spirituality, lost my faith in God and had a lot of emptiness. Through these feelings and emotions, I was introduced to drugs and alcohol, and I started covering up those feelings. I was unable to work and take of my children... That's when I found myself without a physical roof over my head."
Now, Aquilla is in a transitional program at Caring Services Inc., where she said she is bettering herself every day.
Twelve homeless individuals who died in 2010 also were remembered at the dinner, and a candle was lit for each one.
Sue Gamelin, chair of the board of directors for Open Door Ministries, said the turnout was slightly larger than she expected. She said she bought 400 plates for the event and only two were left over.
"But that's good news that people came and knew about it," Gamelin said.
Food for the event was provided by different sources, including Open Door Ministries, which donated the beef, KC's Restaurant and The Aldersgate School Class of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. For the first time in the event's 14-year history, homeless individuals were served by volunteers rather than standing in line to get food.
"They stand in lines all the time," Gamelin said. "This year, we wanted to serve them."

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HELP TAKE CARE OF THE HOMELESS.