Once a month, a small band of WHPC folks (10–12 of us) heads to Community First! Village and throws a block-party–style dinner at King Park. We set tables, cook a simple meal, decorate around a theme, say a prayer (often led by a neighbor), and—most importantly—sit down and talk. Thirty to forty-five neighbors from the 400s–600s streets show up. We learn names. We hear stories. We laugh. We belong to each other for an evening.
This is not a “serve and leave” project. It’s shared life. It’s our church’s commitment to dignity, discipleship and education —neighbors leading prayers, requesting themes, shaping menus, and helping host.
And it’s working—building a community that is not just for the neighbors, but is for all who attend.
High School Senior, Henry Files first came to King Park four years ago to help install the park. He’s been back nearly every month since. Here’s what he’s learned:
“Homelessness is isolation. Community First! gives support, but our Meetups help with belonging. Blair, the self-appointed mayor, has taught me to advocate for people. Charles, in his metallic-pink construction clothes, reminds me to never be ashamed of who I am. Brian, the artist, showed me that work can be joyful.
Every time I look someone in the eye and greet them by name, I watch their face light up. They feel seen. And honestly, they’ve helped me as much as I’ve helped them.”
That’s the jewel of King Park: seeing and being seen on a regular basis. It is rhythm, relationship and the love of God in action.
If you want to learn more about how to get involved with this meaningful monthly gathering, reach out to Martin Hunt (martin4hunt@gmail.com).
Through the Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF) food truck ministry, volunteers provide food, clothing, hygiene products and other life-sustaining items to our unhoused neighbors 7 nights a week, 365 days a year. WHPC is responsible for make-ready on the first and second Sundays of every month.
The Meal Prep Team works together for an hour preparing the food that will be distributed off the delivery trucks. The commissary where the food prep takes place is just a mile from WHPC at St. John’s Newman Catholic Church. This is a great intergenerational opportunity to do alongside your kids!
Through the Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF) food truck ministry, volunteers provide food, clothing, hygiene products and other life-sustaining items to our unhoused neighbors 7 nights a week, 365 days a year. WHPC is responsible for make-ready on the first and second Sundays of every month.
The Truck Run team takes the food that was prepared by the make-ready team and drives the meals to the unhoused all around Austin. This is a great opportunity to encounter the unhoused and bless them with food as well as your presence. This is also a great way to introduce your teenager to poverty and other social issues in Austin.
The truck runs start and end at St. John’s Newman Catholic Church, just a mile away from WHPC.