Addict turned activist, Floyd, speaks out at Hunger Action Lobby Day in Sacramento.

When I became homeless and stood in line for the first time at St. Anthony’s Dining Room in San Francisco, I said to myself, “I never thought that my addiction would take me here.” I allowed drugs and alcohol to control my life. While I was standing in line, I could not believe how I was treated. The staff and the volunteers fed me — I felt the compassion and the love from these people. The smile on their faces gave me hope. This was 13 years ago, and since then, I have become a volunteer at the Dining Room. I give the people in line the same love and compassion I received 13 years ago. Feeding people should be a privilege, not a crime. I would be proud to go to jail or pay a fine for doing God’s work.

I like feeding people just to see them smile and knowing at that moment, I was part of doing what God would do and be proud to serve his people. On the side of the Food Bank truck it says, “Let’s feed the people.” So, let’s continue to feed the people and continue to do God’s work on this earth.

***Floyd, along with nearly 100 volunteers, residents, guests, and staff of St. Anthony’s, shared his story with California legislators as a participant in Hunger Action Lobby Day. Floyd continues to fight for a budget that embodies our Franciscan values and ensures a preferential treatment for the poor.***