In the effort to foster community and provide critical support to those in need, the City of St. Augustine rolls out its welcome mat for the new Dining with Dignity program location. Set for a grand unveiling this week, the new facility aims to address the essential needs of the city's homeless population with a touch of grace.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for October 29, at 10:30 am at the freshly built dining pavilion located at 92 S. Dixie Highway. Perched behind the Winn-Dixie shopping plaza, the pavilion is a testimony to the city's commitment to serve its most vulnerable residents. City Commissioner Cynthia Garris, whose support for the project has been steadfast, expressed her optimism to the City of St. Augustine saying, "This is an amazing new place for those in our community with the greatest needs to be served a meal truly with dignity."
Garris also highlighted the amenities of the new pavilion, noting the significance of its covered area for protection from the elements, the availability of tables and bathrooms, and the presence of natural beauty. "The beautiful trees on this property – it will do more than just provide them a meal, I hope it will help restore their spirits, too," she told the City of St. Augustine's official website.
Dinner services at the new location conducted by Home Again St. Johns in conjunction with local outreach, and faith-based organizations are gearing up for their maiden meal on November 14. The Dining with Dignity program, which operates through the concerted efforts of the outreach groups and churches aims, to bridge the gap between need and nourishment in a setting that emphasizes the inherent value of each individual patron.
