By Maria Stokes, Communications Director
Life in a single-room occupancy (SRO) hotel can be lonely. But for Michael, a disabled Vietnam War Veteran who is battling cancer, his life in a SRO in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood has a bright spot: the Project Open Hand volunteers who deliver his healthy meals every day.
As POH volunteer Steve L. and I approached Michael’s door, we found it propped open, a sign that Michael was looking forward to our visit. Michael smiled warmly as he welcomed us to his room, a 10×14’ space that he shares with his sweet dog, Daisy.
The soft spoken veteran said he is the only living member of his family, and admitted he is slow to make new friends. “It’s nice to see Steve and the other volunteers who come every day. I’m not one who chats much, but it helps me to not feel so alone,” he said.
Although he receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Michael said he couldn’t survive without the nutritious meals he gets from Project Open Hand. Michael said POH meals enable him to eat well, as well as take his medications.
Because of troubles with his teeth, he receives mechanically-softened meals, which POH prepares every day for about a dozen clients. By cooking foods until they are tender, then blending them in a food processor, POH enables clients to who have trouble chewing or swallowing to eat a balanced diet with adequate amounts of protein and calories.
As Steve and I left Michael, he smiled and lifted Daisy up so we could pet her and take their photo. I couldn’t help feeling that we were delivering much more than a meal – we were helping Michael connect with the community of love and support that is Project Open Hand.