Panama City- Some might call them the forgotten faces of Panama City. There are dozens in our community who call the woods their home because they have no other place to go. Every Tuesday and Thursday volunteers reach out to them with a sack supper and a smile...Thanksgiving night was no exception. Many of the homeless people who gather in the Panama City parking lot at 36 East Oak Street won't go or can't go to the rescue mission. Some struggle with mental health issues, others alcohol and drug addictions.
But all are people deserving of a kind word and a tasty meal.

Lois Elaine Lopez, more often known as Sister Lopez, knows what it's like to be homeless. "I've slept in my car with my kids before, it was rough and there was no one around to say hey, would you guys like something to eat." Now the desire to help others in a similar situation weighs heavy on her heart. "We leave here and we go to our houses and we have a roof over our head and we have a bed and stuff. They have to find a bush to go hide in and hope that the police don't come and take them to jail."

Most who come for the the free meal live in the woods because they've maxxed out their time at the rescue mission or refuse to comply with the facility's rules. "We love these people. We don't love it when they came out drinking. But we love them, we are the only church they have," explained Lopez. That's why Sister Lopez and volunteers from 9 churches turn their cars into mobile food pantries every Tuesday and Thursday night. "It's a blessing to me, God is a great God. He has his people out here who are doing his work," said Dolson Doriscar.

Those who give of their time and resources offer a lesson for all of us. "I just thank the good Lord, I'm not financially well off right now, but I just thank the good Lord that he's given me enough that I can take a little bit and give to them." If you are interested in helping, the group gathers every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 7PM at 36 East Oak Street in downtown Panama City.