Bringing Healthy, Affordable Meals

to Residents

Finding a meal that’s convenient, affordable, and healthy can be a real challenge for many of our residents. For those working toward self-sufficiency, rising costs make it even harder, because every dollar spent on food is money that can’t go toward savings, transportation and more. 

That’s why we launched our Food Instantly Ready to Eat (FIRE) program, offering residents budget-friendly, nutritious meals to purchase on site. The convenience and flexibility let residents plan ahead and take the guesswork out of where their next meal will come from. 

In March, the program’s first month, residents accessed 88 meals. This fall, that number is expected to reach 1,055. Next, we’ll launch our fall feedback surveys to learn what’s working with the menu variety, meal times, and more. These programs are only possible through the generous support of our donors. To learn more, please contact Miscindy Taylor, Senior Director of Day Services, at mtaylor@pathlighthome.org.

A Place at the Table Gala

In a room of community members, civic leaders, businesses, nonprofits, and advocates, we can do more than connect; we can create action. 

That’s what A Place at the Table stands for. 

For more than 30 years, Pathlight HOME has helped individuals experiencing homelessness find stability, independence, and hope through housing, supportive services, and career training. Help us continue building sustainable solutions by joining this special fundraising gala.

A Fresh Start in the Kitchen

This month, our third-session culinary students earned their diplomas and ServSafe certifications, showing real determination to start a new chapter while facinglife’s struggles. 

For Rob, the class gave him space to step out of survival mode and focus on building a fulfilling future.

Rob has been unhoused for eight months after struggling to find stable income and housing. Despite decades of culinary experience, he struggled to find work that matched his skills. 

“I couldn’t find a job, and I was getting frustrated. So I decided to make a change and see if I could learn something,” said Rob.

After connecting with our employment resource center, he learned about our Homecooking program, which provides on-site housing to enrolled students. Relieved by the added layer of support, he signed up immediately.

Having a place to stay gave Rob the stability he needed to focus on what came next. The program allowed him to keep learning, build on his skills, and approach his job search with new possibilities.

“Cooking is one thing you never stop learning,” said Rob. “I’ve learned different techniques and baking tips that I didn’t know before, like when you’re making a chocolate cake, flour your pan with cocoa powder instead of flour." 

Since graduating, Rob has been applying for jobs and is ready for his next chapter in the kitchen.

Collaboration & Partnership During Hunger Action Month

For individuals transitioning out of homelessness and working toward independence, the obstacles of food insecurity are often still present. That’s why this Hunger Action Month, we’re thankful to partners like Second Harvest that help fill the hunger gap.

Each month, we receive about 100 boxes of non-perishable items that support our clients. As case managers identify needs, we distribute boxes to both our Maxwell Terrace and Gardens communities.

Thank you, Second Harvest Food Bank, for your ongoing partnership and dedicated collaboration to end food insecurity!

Recognizing Our Team Members

Michael Bailey, Case Manager

When Michael started with Pathlight HOME, he joined our outreach team, working directly on the streets to find and connect veterans experiencing homelessness with support. As a veteran who has experienced homelessness himself, he knows firsthand how hard that first step can be. 

That understanding shapes how he approaches his work. Reaching out for help can be especially difficult for veterans, and where many see a closed door, Michael sees an opportunity to exercise patience and compassion. 

“I give them time,” shares Bailey. “Just because they're not ready today doesn’t mean I’m giving up on them.”

Now, Bailey is stepping into a new chapter as a Case Manager, where his journey from the streets to leadership continues to inspire. Please join us in celebrating Michael Bailey as our August Employee of the Month!

Pathlight HOME Team Podcast

Tune in to episodes 4 through 7 as Carl and Danny tackle homelessness one episode at a time. From exploring common misconceptions about mental health and substance use to highlighting the critical role of specialized training for housing staff, there is no topic these two won’t throw into play.

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