Bend homeless lend a helping hand amid coronavirus

(Update: Adding comments from Shepherd's House residents, administrators)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Shepherd's House Ministries, a homeless shelter in Bend, is usually on the receiving end of generous donations from the community. Now, amid the coronavirus, the roles have reversed, as the residents living there are the ones giving back to those in need.

Shepherd's House started a drive-thru donation service at its location on Northeast Division Street about two weeks ago.

Out front, residents are helping hand out lunches and toiletries to the homeless community starting at noon Monday through Friday. Out back, people can either drop off donations at any time of the day, or pick up donations between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

On Thursday, Director of Programming Mike Yunker told NewsChannel 21 residents have helped hand out about 8,000 meals.

“This is by far the most amazing thing that I’ve gotten to experience here with being with the Shepherd’s House,” Yunker said.

Dreux Woods, a 2-month resident, added, "You know, I came here being the one needing the help. It's really cool to be able to step into a spot and now help people."

Woods said it's been humbling to see how roles have reversed, not just for himself, but for others. He said people who used to drop off donations are now coming by to ask for help. Woods said he’s learned a lot being on the other side.

"To be able to put a smile on someone's face every day, I mean, just at least one, and to know that I can touch at least one person, it brings me so much joy, honestly,” Woods said. “It brings me total happiness."

Jamie Hesser, an 11-month resident at Shepherd’s House, helped out at the front booth by handing out 31 lunches Thursday. He said they’ve typically been giving out between 20 and 60 lunches every day since this started two weeks ago.

"We just try to hook them up as much as we can, because they may not get a hot meal somewhere -- or even a meal somewhere," Hesser said.

Between both of the drive-thru stations, Shepherd's House has dished out more than 8,000 meals in the last two weeks. Hesser said it’s given him a new outlook on life.

"Love isn't blind, and it's not selfish, and blessings and grace aren't selfish either,” Hesser said. “We're supposed to help and extend that blessing and grace to people. And so, I don't know, this place just changed my heart a lot.”

Hesser and Woods are just two of the 30 people living full-time at Shepherd's House. Right now, everyone is lending a helping hand.

"We have people that two months ago, a year ago were hooked on some sort of substance, living on the streets, etcetera, etcetera,” said House Manager Moshe Morgan. “Now, giving them the opportunity to give back to the community here, and it's really amazing just to see what's going on with that."

It’s another example of people making the best of a tough situation in Central Oregon.

For more information: https://shepherdshouseministries.org/