As costs rise across the Central Valley, a Fresno nonprofit reports more people are turning to its community kitchen for a hot dinner (FOX26).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The mission offers a hot meal nightly and welcomes anyone from the public.<\/p>\n
Tony Brieske, a Fresno Mission visitor, said he and his twin brother, Daniel Brieske, came to the mission while trying to rebuild their lives. <\/p>\n
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Tony Brieske (LEFT), a Fresno Mission visitor, said he and his twin brother, Daniel Brieske (RIGHT), came to the mission while trying to rebuild their lives (PHOTO: CHASE GAUTHIER).{ }<\/p>\n
\u201cMe and my family were homeless and we needed a place to stay,” Tony Brieske said. “Me and my wife were on drugs and we needed a fresh start so we came to the Mission.” <\/p>\n
Tony Brieske said the mission has been a positive place for him. <\/p>\n
\u201cI’ve never been ashamed to be at the mission. I love the atmosphere here,” he said. “Everybody loves each other.” <\/p>\n
In addition to hot meals, the mission provides community resources including free groceries, educational programs and housing. <\/p>\n
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In addition to hot meals, the mission provides community resources including free groceries, educational programs and housing (PHOTO: CHASE GAUTHIER).<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you’re talking about the food here it is amazing. It’s really good. They put a lot of heart and soul into this food,\u201d Tony Brieske said. \u201cYou’re going to enjoy a good meal and you’re going to enjoy good company.\u201d<\/p>\n
Desmond Camacho, chief development officer of the Fresno Mission, said more people are seeking help as household budgets get strained. <\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes they’re paying PG&E, they’re paying the increased rent, they’re paying the increase in gas, and they can’t afford, say, a dinner or a warm dinner at the same quality that we’re able to go to here,\u201d Camacho said.<\/p>\n
Camacho said the mission has also seen fewer donations recently. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have unfortunately seen a decrease in donors in the last couple months specifically where the fear of war, the cost of living, all these different things,\u201d Camacho said.<\/p>\n
Even with tighter resources, Camacho said volunteers continue to show up to prepare and serve meals. <\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the moment that our meal was prepped to the moment that our volunteers serve it, everything is with love,\u201d Camacho said.<\/p>\n
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Even with tighter resources, Camacho said volunteers continue to show up to prepare and serve meals{ }(PHOTO: CHASE GAUTHIER). <\/p>\n
Daniel Brieske said watching Fresno Mission turn his brother’s life around inspired him to seek the same help.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy twin\u2019s my rock, he’s my superstar, hero (and) hero,” Daniel Brieske said. “He’s a superstar and I love him.”<\/p>\n
Tony Brieske said he recently celebrated five years of sobriety, and Daniel Brieske celebrated 70 days.<\/p>\n
The mission receives donations in many forms, including from businesses such as Costco and Bank of America, and from farms such as Harris Ranch Beef.<\/p>\n
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Families with children and seniors are served from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the general community is served from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m (FOX26).<\/p>\n
Families with children and seniors are served from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the general community is served from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. <\/p>\n