“I pulled up for food and you asked me, ‘How’s the housing situation?’ I looked over and almost started crying. It’s been such a blessing.”

“The women who have volunteered regularly with me have become very close and I can't see myself volunteering without them.”

“I had nothing. I was afraid I was going to get kicked out of my apartment or starve to death. At Kinship, everybody here was all-hands-on deck for me.”

“Kinship gave me hope, gratitude, and the strength to keep going on.”

“We are not coming to just get food, we are coming to spend time with the friends that feel like family.”

“Being here has reshaped how I view the world.  It has opened my eyes to food insecurity and poverty in my neighborhood.”

"It's very beautiful to see how the community gathers here. This is my community now.”

“You begin to realize that by giving your life to others, you actually become more alive.”

“We’re thinking the same out of our hearts, not our heads.”

“It’s been wonderful to help serve my neighborhood in some way.”

“There is something intangible, but tangible, that is here. It's a spirit thing-- it's a human to human connection.”

“Sharing my love with others reminds me that I’m wanted.”

“I receive so much more. I receive this wonderful sense of belonging. Truly it is very, very important.”

“Kinship is not only for food, but is for physical, mental, and spiritual needs.”

“You guys don’t understand what you’re giving people when you give them the opportunity to volunteer.”

“Really knowing who my neighbor is has deeply impacted my life...”

“Anybody’s life can be rehabilitated. But you need people listening and support. Rolling up your sleeves getting involved.”

“As a community, we should take better care of each other.”

“Sometimes you just need somebody to believe in you, no matter what you’ve been through.”

“Kinship has helped with rides, getting me to the hospital, helping me with my kids, getting them to their appointments, it’s just outstanding.”

“I understand what it’s like to be alone. So, when people come here... I pull up a chair and sit next to them.”

“Whether I’m volunteering or shopping, it’s fun being around the people here!”

“People who are coming to get food are just like everyone else, they have something to give as well.”

“Being here means to be among the community. To be among love.”

“You get to know people over time and just as with a family you share ups and downs, joys and sorrows.”

“I come to this place and feel like I am surrounded by people that are like family.”

“I love people today more than I used to. I love me today more than I used to.”

“I’ve gotten so much help. That’s why I want to be part of this, because this is a way I can give back.”

“We embrace and promote Kinship’s philosophy of both giving and receiving with sincerity and generosity.”