Dental care, haircuts and a steak dinner.
Union Gospel Mission and 20 community partners held what they hope is an annual event, One Table Salem, to provide social services for the unhoused.
The partners and some 300 volunteers served hundreds of people food, connected them to services and provided them clothes, blankets and more.
The event was inspired by a similar one in Fresno called One Table Fresno . The organizers said they hope to expand their offerings next year.
“It’s a day of service for our community,” said Josh Hren, marketing coordinator for UGM. “There are so many people in Salem and in Keizer that are ready to help our neighbors experiencing homelessness and neighbors in need of life changing care.”
Natausha Glover said she moved from San Jose to Salem when she was 12 years old and has been houseless nearly a year after moving out of a place where drugs where being used.
When she couldn’t find housing, Glover said she lived out of her car until it broke down and was towed.