Meet Ila – one of the guests who makes our Bistro feel like family.
Ila is retired, and she doesn't come to the Bistro just for the meal. She comes for the companionship. In a world where so much happens through a screen, she says the Bistro offers something rare. "Everything is computerized, everything is press a button," she says. "When you come here, you're a person."
For Ila, what makes the Bistro special is that everyone is welcomed the same way. "There is no judgment," she says. "Every human being has the need for food. Every human being needs to eat. When you can eat and have a cool beverage, and you are coming away from whatever your situation is, this is a safe haven."
She believes the human connection matters as much as the food. "Computers are wonderful, but they'll never be able to replace the human connection," she says. "You don't know somebody's struggle. You don't know somebody's walk. This place gives you a chance to breathe."
And her message to everyone who makes it possible: "You're giving people hope. Many times, that's all you need. Thank you for what you do."
Our Bistro is a free, full-service restaurant for anyone in need of a healthy meal and a warm welcome. Guests are served a fresh, nutritious meal with dignity, alongside neighbors from every walk of life. To learn more, click here.