San Diego, CA — Take a moment to remember the climate of 2021. At the height of COVID-19, we were all desperate for connection and interactions with our neighbors. The few get-togethers we could have were small and held outdoors, but it was better than nothing. 

Captain Jeremy Alexander from the Centre City Corps in San Diego can recall this time, and how difficult it was to be a leader of a congregation that couldn’t gather. “[It] was such a hard time for so many people in the congregation and the community alike. We were looking for some way to bring joy into that area, to that time.”

Captain Alexander and his team proposed a simple idea: a family barbeque with some meat, a grill, some music and a few tables. The congregation, as well as some residents from the neighboring Silvercrest facility, were invited to the outdoor gathering, and it was a smash hit.

Twenty to 30 people attended that barbeque, and when Centre City Corps saw how the people responded, they decided to make it into a monthly event. “It was needed at the time,” said Captain Alexander. “By the grace of God, every month, we got more donations, we got more people coming … we’ve been doing it since then. Today, we’re serving somewhere upwards of 650 people.”

Since the event has grown, the nature of the barbeque has continued to change. Now, there’s something for everyone. There are prayer stations, coffee stations and even giveaway tables, all operated by an army of volunteers. There are often more volunteers than Captain Alexander knows what to do with. The one thing that has stayed the same, which Captain Alexander has kept close guard over, is the portrayal of family. It’s not just about food; it’s about people from all walks of life sitting at one table and appreciating time together. 

“[It’s] the feel of the people, the atmosphere. It is just that tangible feeling of peace in the place with the diverse group that’s there. That’s my favorite thing about it. You’ll see somebody that’s literally, at that very second, high on drugs. Then, also somebody who’s like, a Rotary Club member who’s willing to give $20k to the place just because they loved being of service. You really can’t differentiate who’s who. You’ll see them sitting next to each other and talking.”

Captain Alexander says you can see the difference in people from when they’re out in line to when they walk in the gate—it’s clear they feel belonging, joy and comfort. “The whole heart behind this barbecue, it’s not a feeding. It is just like a family environment for all the people who attend.” Attendees are free to come, get their food and leave, but the barbeque team does their best to make it clear that it’s not a soup kitchen, and everyone is to be treated as family and neighbors. That means being respectful and patient with the certainty that there will be enough food for everyone—usually multiple helpings. “You don’t need to show ID or proof of anything. You’re hungry, get a plate and eat it, or take it with you.”

According to Captain Alexander, the community around the corps has responded very positively to the monthly lunch. They’ve never had to advertise the event—everyone who comes has heard about it by word of mouth. And while the doors open at 11 a.m., people typically begin lining up around 7:00 p.m. By 10:30 p.m., the line is around the corner. 

Captain Alexander shares one story about when the barbeque was canceled because of rain. The team and volunteers, knowing that many who frequent the barbeque are homeless and have trouble finding a meal somewhere else, took their operation inside to prepare 450 meals to hand out on the streets. While they were finishing up, the sun came back out. A couple of regulars stopped by, hoping to see if lunch was still on, and the volunteers asked the captain, “Well, can we just handle a few?” Of course, Captain Alexander was on board. Before long, the few that had come to scope the scene had spread the word, and hundreds were lined up in no time. The corps didn’t even have their full set up, but the barbeque was on. 

“I hope this never stops because it’s just good,” says Captain Alexander. “It’s good for the volunteers, it’s good for the people, good for the community. If I’m stationed any place else, I’m going to do the same thing, because it’s really simple. I’ve been here for six years and that’s what I’ve noticed … I believe every corps can do something like this, providing a space for people to be themselves. People love being here. I love that they feel safe, love that they feel welcomed, and that they’re not pressured to do this or that, or whatever the case may be. They’re just here. That’s the most beautiful part about it.”