LMU Campus Ministry’s Feed the Hungry program is launching a new partnership with Safe Place for Youth. Every Thursday students, faculty and staff will make lunches outside Sacred Heart Chapel from noon-1 p.m., then deliver them to youth who are experiencing homelessness. The LMU community is invited to join in, and any questions can be directed to Susan Kadota, Campus Minister for Faith and Justice, at Susan.Kadota@lmu.edu or 310.568.7160.
Safe Place for Youth in Venice works primarily with 18- to 25-year-old persons who are unhoused. Susan Kadota, the LMU campus minister who oversees the Feed the Hungry program and global/local faith-based service, said that this age group is overlooked by other social service programs. The goal of Safe Place for Youth is to empower young people experiencing homelessness to thrive by providing lasting, community-driven solutions that address racial and social inequity.
Kadota said the hope of this collaboration is that students will be able to connect with this age group in a unique way. “Students may start digging a little deeper and think about what caused this person to be in this situation and reflect on that,” said Kadota. “It’s a pastoral cycle. Students reflect on what they experience and then may start thinking bigger on society and social issues.”
Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in Feed the Hungry. Particularly during summer many students are away from campus so Campus Ministry relies on staff and faculty to volunteer. Kadota said that it is a great way to meet people across campus and build community. Kadota believes this program at the core of LMU’s mission. “We are one family. It’s not like there’s us and them, but it is we. How can this world and society better reflect the Kingdom of God?”
