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Bastion Foundation, Inc.

Empathize, Inspire, Empower and Transform

Homeless Program Overview

Inspiration

On Thanksgiving Day in 2007, on my way home from picking up fried turkey from my friend’s house, I decided to stop at the homeless shelter downtown, Nashville. I made a small donation. That date turned out to be fateful for me as I had a major stroke that night. Few years later, after my recovery, I wondered whether that little act of kindness had anything to do with the mercy I received from God. Regardless, I made up my mind to help the homeless on a more regular basis. I felt that God needed me to sacrifice and serve our fellow Nashvillians who are less fortunate. The rest is history.

The work

Since then, we have been feeding 250 – 300 homeless men and women in Nashville around Rescue Mission every other weekend. We feed them high quality delicious home cooked meals made either from scratch or donated ready made by caterers and restaurants.

Serving with Christ-like Compassion

During each we serve meals, we pray and bless the food before serving them. The people freely join the prayers and, indeed afterwards, engage us in conversations. We listen to them talk about their life experiences and advise them.  These men and women always express their gratitude. They are smart, respectful and humble. They need our attention and support.  Many have told us that they hadn’t eaten such quality foods in months and years. Here, we fill in the gap.

Improving on the service

Presently, we rely on volunteers and private vehicles for collection of the meals and transporting them to the service site. There is only so much we can do at this time. We are looking to expand our operations so as to increase the number of beneficiaries pursuant to our goal of feeding 10,000 people in the next 5 years. We also wish to served at other locations in Middle Tennessee. This would require greater mobility that could be provided by a mobile kitchen and portable food warners. Any assistance to acquire these capabilities will be appreciated.

WHY THE HOMELESS?

Our mission for the homeless focusses in Nashville area. Our motivation has its roots in my personal experience. I had a stroke in 2007 Thanksgiving Day. Earlier in the morning, on my way back from picking a pre-ordered Thanksgiving turkey, the Holy spirit led me, spontaneously to Rescue Mission where I made a cash donation. That very night, I had the stroke but God spared my life and granted me almost a complete recovery. Years later, the same Holy Spirit led me seek out and help the homeless. This time, God uses my family, volunteers and I to serve and feed His children. It is very amazing how God works. Somehow, I just find the resources and volunteers to do it under every circumstance and the operation is growing in leaps and bounds

This intensive program started in the spring of 2018. By the end of first quarter of 2020, BFI had fed over three thousand homeless men and women in Nashville. We serve warm delicious meals. Many of the homeless told us that they couldn’t remember eating the quality of food we serve in a long time. We serve meat, vegetables, salads, grains, fruits and desserts. We serve brunch from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. We set up at 9:30 AM.

We pray, minister, counsel and give them hope in Christ. Some come to us with prayer requests. Some talk to us about their lives and how they missed their families. Sometimes, they want us to just provide listening ear.

This year, 2024, the number we feed each visit has almost increased including those living in their cars. We feed between 250 to 320 people every other week.

God is using BFI and her volunteers to serve the hungry. BFI relies on donations from public spirited individuals and families who provide cash and materials such as a freezer. Ron Camacho Catering services donates some food to us from time to time.  BFI plans to increase the number of donors and volunteers in 2024. We thank Logans Restaurant immensely for massive donation of foods even during the Covid-19 disruptions.  BFI will continue to provide quality, nutritious and delicious food. We are reaching out to bring in more people that will minister to the homeless. BFI looks forward to partnering with local restaurants for food donation. We are also praying, believing and trusting God for a Food Truck/Food kitchen.

On this very day last year, my son, Dalu a senior then at UT Knoxville, met a homeless man wearing UT shirt and cap just like my son. The homeless man was pleased to see my son so they started talking. The man told Dalu that he played football at UT. They talked about UT for a long time. The man got his food and left. He came back a few minutes later with brand new UT cap, a gift for my son. This kind gesture touched my son and all present. This cap according to Dalu is one of the most valuable and cherished UT accessories he has.

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