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Doug Brown Street Ministry
Overview:
The Doug Brown Street Ministry provides hot meals to the homeless and working poor every evening at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Center and Pinellas Safe Harbor. Through a rotating schedule of teams from churches, businesses, civic groups, and other organizations, the diners receive a nutritious dinner as well as a listening ear.
Serving teams are made up of 10-20 people who work together to prepare and serve the food. Over 500 people each night are served through this ministry when both sites are at capacity.
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History:
Doug Brown described himself as a former alcoholic whose addiction led to him living on the streets. One day, he heard a preacher speaking to another diner at a meal for the homeless, and his heart was touched by the pastor's words. He turned his life over to the Lord and became sober again. He got a job, married, and built a loving family. But he never forgot how it felt to be on the streets, helpless and hopeless.
After several years of stability, Doug decided to do something to reach out to others who were struggling as he had been. He got some friends together and took sandwiches to the parks in St. Petersburg to feed the people and speak to them about the changes in his life. Over time, the number of diners and serving teams grew, and the ministry was moved into the St. Vincent de Paul Food Center, out of the elements and with tables and chairs to make it easier to sit and spend time together.
Doug passed away in February of 2010, and the ministry that he called the "Street Ministry" when he started so many years ago is now named in his honor. In February of 2011, a second location was added at Pinellas Safe Harbor.
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Street Ministry Schedules can be found below. If your group would like to participate, call (727) 442-6881 X9 or email Karen Edwards.
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