Masons step up with other local agencies to feed homeless through winter season

“So Mote It Beef BBQ” on behalf of local Masons, began its cold weather cycle of providing free meals to area homeless people checked into the Thermal Shelter of Front Royal program at the 15th Street Health and Human Services complex this past Thursday evening. (The shelter is an independent entity, unaffiliated with governmental entities).

“So Mote It’s” Will Bryan, Charles Taggart, and crew will be on-site with their tasty array of BBQ staples and sides on the first Thursday of the month throughout the winter homeless housing at 15th Street. Also on hand to help Thursday, November 5th, were Scott Truax, Tom Kivlehan, and Josh Ingram.

Above left, Will Bryan, with ‘So Mote It Beef BBQ’ crew member Josh Ingram. Below, ‘So Mote It BBQ’s’ crew is rolling on its mission of helping hold up the local Mason’s portion of food for the homeless distribution this winter season. Royal Examiner Photos by Roger Bianchini

Social Services Michelle Smeltzer explained the food provision project to Royal Examiner. “The churches have, every week, they pick up a week – we don’t have all weeks filled yet and we’re opening up to the public to do a night or two if they would like to. The Masons contacted me and asked if they could do the first Thursday of every month. We’re open for five months. So, this is their first Thursday. Calvary Episcopal has this week,” Smelter said of the still-developing food donation program dynamics.

Good work, Masons and “So Mote It” crew – keep up the good work.

And let’s get those weeks filled up through this coming five months of the program to help some of the community’s most vulnerable citizens.

Above, sleeping area at 15th Street Health and Human Services complex accommodations for the homeless through the winter season. Below, a long shot of the kitchen area.