Needs of vulnerable populations spotlighted at traditional Thanksgiving lunch

At this year’s special Thanksgiving activity, there was breakfast for the participants, a religious ceremony, games, and lunch for more than a hundred homeless people. Health services were also provided by way of a mobile unit.

By The Star Staff

The director of La Fondita de Jesús added to Wednesday’s traditional Thanksgiving turkey lunch a call to the new government and the general public to remember the needs of vulnerable populations and the homeless on the island.

“Every year at this time, Puerto Ricans sit down to celebrate Thanksgiving at tables where there is no shortage of turkey and the joy of being together,” said Josué Maysonet, executive director of La Fondita de Jesús. “It can also be a time to think and commit to acting for those who are in need due to so many difficult circumstances in life. Here at La Fondita we do not forget them and with the support of the good people of Puerto Rico we can make a difference in their difficult times.”

Maysonet added that as they have done for almost 40 years, the charitable organization impacts the lives of homeless people, marginalized people, senior citizens, and families from impoverished communities on a daily basis. Once again they held a special Thanksgiving activity for homeless people. There was breakfast for the participants, a religious ceremony, games, and lunch for more than a hundred homeless people. Health services were also provided by way of a mobile unit.

“It is important at this time to remind them that they are not alone and can give thanks with us,” Maysonet said. “Here they are part of a family and we always want them to have hope that we can help them. There are many who have left the streets, already have their homes after overcoming their problems and today they are here as volunteers. We give thanks for them and for everything they do to help others.”

The La Fondita de Jesús director reminded the new government of the commitments they made to the people when they were elected, and this includes caring for the homeless, the economically disadvantaged elderly, and families who are vulnerable because they do not have affordable housing.

“There are many needs of our people and it is up to the government to assist,” he said. “In the Third Sector, organizations like La Fondita are willing to collaborate within the alliances that are needed to improve the quality of life of our people.”

La Fondita provides essential services (food, showers, clothing, recreation, transportation, etc.); psychosocial and health services; affordable, adequate and safe housing; community organization; capacity building and disaster relief; and it empowers citizens while promoting equity and social justice, Maysonet said.