Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Susan and Fred Bowdy
About this story: In the spirit of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2020), True North Housing Alliance is recognizing some of our incredibly hardworking, dedicated volunteers.
Longtime Torres Community Shelter volunteers Fred and Susan Bowdy. Photo courtesy of Susan Bowdy
Susan and Fred Bowdy have been providing meals for our guests at the Torres Community Shelter for 4 years. Though they became very busy once founding their ministry, the Church of the Homeless Jesus, they still generously made time to continue their volunteer work with the shelter.
Now, Susan and Fred serve a vital role as on-call meal-providers. They are always ready to step in and serve our guests at a moment’s notice.
Here’s what Susan had to say about the couple’s rewarding experience volunteering with True North.
What is it like volunteering at the Torres Shelter?
Without fail, when we are there, the guests show us such love and appreciation. They really do appreciate when someone is there to care for them and help them. I think they can feel a genuine love that we have for them, and so they respond.
We’ve been able to really get to know people and pray with them and encourage them in a very difficult time in their life. It’s really wonderful to see how loving these people can be. They’re just great people that are in hard circumstances.
What does volunteering mean to you?
It’s two fold: It’s obedience to what God called us to, and it’s an outlet to share the love that he’s given us. And it always gives back to us. It’s not the reason why we do it, but it does give us a real sense of love and care that we’re being able to help.
We know that is a very important service for the people that we love. We want to support it however we can.
We want your help!
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve temporarily modified how we operate in order to keep our volunteers, staff and guests safe. However, we still need your help!
We’re looking for volunteer meal providers. You can donate pre-packaged (e.g., canned or boxed) foods or drop-off all the fresh ingredients needed for a meal. The guests in our vocational meal program will then prepare your generously donated items on-site in our kitchen.
Hygiene products are always useful! This includes items like shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash, deodorant and lip balm.
Monetary donations also help us purchase these important hygiene items, as well as delicious, nutritious food for our guests.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at (530) 891-9048. Thank you so much!