Praise Tabernacle’s annual homeless BBQ hits 11-year mark

While the temperature hovered near 90º, the close to 200 homeless people of Rhode Island waited patiently in line to be fed, get a free haircut and shop in the MAE Organization clothing “store” at the annual Hope for Homeless BBQ on Sunday, July 14.

According to the 2023 Point in Time (PIT) census, Rhode Island has an estimated homeless population of approximately 1,810 people.

“For 364 days a year, they (the homeless) are often overlooked, marginalized, and ignored. However, for one special day each summer, Ed Brady, along with numerous dedicated volunteers and organizations, shows them that they are not only seen but valued at the annual community BBQ held at Praise Tabernacle Church,” said Associate Pastor of Praise Tabernacle Levi Pangburn.

Brady, the event co-coordinator, was very excited for the big day.

“I look forward to our community BBQ every year watching people helping people. I am thankful for all of the community supporters who continue to make this BBQ a very special day filled with hope, community conversations, kindness and giving,” he said.

For the first time, guests were treated to grilled brat, burgers and hot dogs. Along with baked beans, corn on the cob, fresh garden salad, pizza, watermelon, Del’s lemonade, water bottles, soda, pie, fresh fruit and music.

“This year, the event was truly amazing—a blessing for our homeless community. It provided not just a hearty meal but also a sense of connection and support. For the volunteers, it was equally impactful, embodying Jesus’ teaching, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’” Pangburn said.

The BBQ showcased the power of community and compassion, leaving a lasting positive impact on everyone involved.

In order to get a break from the heat, guests were able to get a cooling and refreshing new haircut for free, with the services donated by Zella Rose Salon and Barbershop Karo.

Cranston Cares board member and repeat volunteer Gloria Romano was very humbled by the experience.

“It was a wonderful experience and very heart warming,” she said.

All of the guests were very appreciative and grateful. There were “thank yous and “god bless yous” for all the volunteers.

One new addition to the event, was the portable CCAP Medical Mobile Unit. It provided guests the opportunity to visit with doctors and get information for other medical issues.

“We had a lot of fun at our annual Cranston Cares Hope for The Homeless Community BBQ with Rhode Island Dream Center, MAE Organization For The Homeless, and our friends at Praise Tabernacle. Thank you to all of our community supporters who made this day special; Thirsty Beaver Cranston, Los Andes Restaurant, Saugy Franks, Powder Mill Creamery, Cranston Police Department, Dunkin’, Rhody Foody, Big Tony’s Pizzeria, RI Night Market, Comprehensive Community Action Program, Inc., Dave’s Market, Stop & Shop, Lonny Chhay, Warren Howard, Chuck Johnson, Gio Colagiovanni, Michael Lopiano and all the compassionate volunteers,” Brady said.

To learn more about Praise Tabernacle Church or the RI Dream Center, go to www.praisetab.com