An idea that began in the city’s municipal courtroom has become an ongoing support network for Ashland neighbors

Ashland.news staff report

More than a decade ago, Peace Meal coordinator Vanessa Houk became curious about what was going on inside the Ashland Municipal Court, and began visiting court each week, listening to and watching the people who filed through there. Inside the court, she witnessed a number of local residents who had been charged with theft, but weren’t stealing cars or other big ticket items — they were stealing food.

One woman in particular stood in front of the judge and said, “I’m sorry. I know what I did was wrong, but my kids and I were hungry.” Houk has carried those words ever since.

“Terrible things happen to people; wars rage, homelessness increases, and people suffer. Most of the time I don’t know what to do to make any of it better, but I know how to make a pot of soup,” she says. “I know how to share that with my neighbors.”

This year marks the 10th annual Thanksgiving Community Peace Meal. The First Presbyterian Church of Ashland has offered to share its space with the community. Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice (SOJWJ) is lining up volunteers and cooks, as well as those who can give financial support. They are expecting to feed more than 300 people. In addition, they are offering free delivery for community members needing that support. 

SOJWJ has been on the forefront of hunger relief in the Ashland community, and this year has seen record numbers of people who need assistance. Their weekly community meals happen year-round, three days a week, Thursdays and Fridays in Lithia Park near the gazebo at 3:30 p.m., and Sunday mornings in the Ashland Library at 8 a.m.

SOJWJ is an all-volunteer nonprofit, and does not have paid staff. Dubbed the “crock-pot brigade,” volunteers show up to take better care of each other. 

Source: Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice news release. Email Ashland.news at [email protected].