Mixed Emotions on the 1st of July

I woke up excited this morning, knowing that I'd get to spend the first part of the day harvesting some vegetables at the community garden. The plots at Los Prados Community Garden have exploded in the last few weeks as squash plants seemed to double in size every day. The first tomatoes are starting to ripen and zucchini is coming fast and furious. This is the time of year a gardener plans for - yearns for - during the other 9 months out of the year. So with great anticipation I headed east on Hillsdale Blvd toward my plot.

As I drove through the neighborhood, a Uhaul moving truck caught my eye, parked in front of a large apartment complex next to the mall. Today is moving day - and for many people - the day that rent is due. This jogged my memory of something I had recently read - a post by Bart Charlow, CEO of the Samaritan House.

Did you know?...

200 to 300 cars line up every day in the Samaritan House parking lot to receive food assistance
The number of clients seeking free medical treatment at the Samaritan House Medical Clinics is up 60%
Over 3,500 local households have applied for rental assistance since losing their employment
Samaritan House delivers $200,000/week in rental assistance to keep clients from being homeless

Heading to the plot this morning I was reminded that today is going to be a tough day for many folks in our community. What gives me hope that we'll all make it through these difficult times together are the many people who are donating their time, their money...and their garden harvests. Neighbor helping neighbor.

-Bill S.

bill@growsanmateo.org

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GROW San Mateo

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