In Mesa, Arizona, local volunteers made a significant impact on Christmas Day by providing a festive dinner for men experiencing homelessness at A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center. For the eighth consecutive year, the organization From the Ashes We Rise Ministries coordinated the event, ensuring that the holiday spirit reached those in need.
Tyler Fannon, a resident of the shelter, shared how the sense of community has transformed his experience. “It’s a family. I don’t want to say ‘like’ a family — it is a family,” he remarked. Fannon has called the East Valley Men’s Center home for approximately three months after living on the streets in Tempe. “I was out in Tempe trying to find places to go, and I was lucky enough to get in here,” he added.
Currently, around 100 men reside at the shelter. For Fannon, the essentials provided at the center have been crucial for his well-being. “It’s a roof over my head, food in my stomach, and a place to sleep,” he explained.
Support for the residents extends beyond basic needs. Staff members assist individuals in regaining their independence through job placement and regular check-ins with case managers. “We help them as best as we can — finding a job, maintaining sobriety, overcoming addiction, whatever challenges they may be dealing with,” stated Tanner Swanson from A New Leaf.
During the holiday season, feelings of isolation can become more pronounced. Fannon expressed gratitude for the camaraderie at the shelter, stating, “Just being in a home with other people, and not out on the streets when it’s raining or cold — it touches my heart.”
Creating Connections Through Service
Pastors Tim and Toni Grimm of From the Ashes We Rise Ministries emphasized the importance of connection, which motivates them to return each year to serve Christmas dinner. “Christmas is not the time to be alone. It’s the time to show love and compassion,” Toni Grimm remarked. “There’s no better way to do that than to feed people and give them a Christmas gift.”
Volunteers dedicated their time to decorate the dining hall and prepare a generous holiday meal. The menu featured turkey with gravy, smoked barbecue chicken, ham, and an array of sides. Desserts included banana pudding, cupcakes, sweet potato pies, and peach cobbler, ensuring that the meal was both hearty and festive.
At the end of the evening, each man at the shelter received a Christmas gift, reinforcing the sense of community and care. “For somebody to be there for you, it makes life go around,” Fannon reflected. “That’s what makes a house into a home, and that’s what I cherish.”
The annual Christmas dinner not only provides nourishment but also fosters a spirit of togetherness and hope for those facing challenging circumstances. As the volunteers and residents shared the holiday meal, they created lasting memories that underscored the importance of community support during the festive season.
