Greenbelters Host Furlough Food and Fellowship Potluck

As government employees and contractors faced a third week of the federal furlough with no end in sight, Hope Braveheart posted a question on social media: Would Greenbelters help host a dinner for people affected by this? The purpose of the event would be to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for Greenbelters to interact and eat together, as well as provide food and household items to
individuals impacted by the government shutdown. The answer was a resounding yes. Within a few days, Braveheart and several co-organizers found a venue, set a date and started a list for a potluck. Close to 30 people brought food, drinks and other items. Community businesses, including Jason’s Deli, Nando’s Peri Peri, Noodles and Company, Safeway and Mission BBQ contributed to the potluck as well. Thanks to anonymous donations, the organizers received $50, which will be used toward the next event or donated to Help By Phone. The potluck was held on Saturday, January 12 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Greenbelt Community Church (GBCC), United Church of Christ, a socially active church that is very interested in building community and providing opportunities to serve, support and sustain, according to church moderator Karen Yoho, who connected the social media post quickly with the availability of the church to host. Should the furlough continue, organizers are prepared to provide more meal events to support those in need. In support of future events the church has offered kitchen and fellowship space. Although GBCC hosted this event it remained secular. People from all faiths greeted each other, shared food, recipes and warmth on a snowy night. In true Greenbelt style, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and washed dishes to keep the event earth-friendly by choosing reusable dishes and tableware. In addition to a warm meal and fellowship, there were nonperishable food and household items to take home as well as an information table for people to apply for the nearby Help By Phone food pantry to obtain canned and boxed food. Information about Pepco’s and WSSC’s assistance programs was provided. (Pepco customers can contact Pepco Customer Care at 202-833-7500 to ask about available resources, or visit Pepco. com. WSSC has announced that it will suspend all water service shutoffs and waive late fees and work one-on-one with customers. Customers are encouraged to contact WSSC and speak with a representative by calling 301-206- 4001 or 1-800-828-6439.) More than 60 people attended the potluck. This was a wonderful opportunity to talk to neighbors, hear how they’ve been impacted by the shutdown and offer support. Mayor Emmett Jordan brought a pumpkin pie, saying that the potluck was a “great thing and [that] it is important to do anything we can do to help the Greenbelt community members that are affected by the shutdown.” Councilmembers Silke Pope and Leta Mach offered their continued support and contributed a casserole and desserts. Delegate Tawanna Gaines also attended to show her support. Leftover prepared food was donated to local food recovery organizations. A Prince George’s County police officer in attendance left with arms full of hot meals in carry-out containers that she delivered to people who are homeless. Remaining unclaimed household items will be donated to Help By Phone. People attending the potluck appreciated sharing positive ideas, networking, community building or just getting out of the house. Attendee Alice Mitchell said this event was a good example of how Greenbelters can and do organize during a crisis. Everyone would like the shutdown to end soon. In the meantime, Greenbelters will continue to help one another. Planning for the next combination potluck-donation drive has begun already. If you’d like to attend, participate, provide insight or join forces, contact hopebraveheart@gmail.com.