Posted on January 29, 2018

Catholic Charities’ Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) promotes the health, independence and dignity of senior citizens by enabling them to live in their homes and communities as long as medically and socially feasible. It’s a comprehensive healthcare program that includes an adult day health center, primary and specialty physician care, medications, rehabilitative therapy, personal care services and transportation.

On the way to a participant’s home one cold winter morning, a PACE nurse noted the number of homeless people. She commented, “I wish I could go and feed them. That’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

“Let’s do it,” Lynette Gordon, PACE’s Director of Clinical and Day Center Services, replied.

Last month, PACE’s staff did just that. Partnering with Piccadilly, the group served hot meals and distributed goodie bags containing socks, scarves, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other essentials to over 125 homeless men and women in our community. 

Although the day was cold and rainy, the group was excited to deliver food and essentials to the less fortunate. They were so excited that they had enough staff for two different shifts. 

“It’s the true meaning of why we are placed here on Earth. We are our brother’s keepers,” Gordon said of the event.

Moved by the joy this simple act brought, PACE has decided to make it a regular event. They’ll be back on the streets with more food and toiletries after Mardi Gras.