DETROIT – On any given Wednesday, neighbors along Petersboro and Times Square wait patiently for a white food truck to arrive.
“How are you today,” said a woman as she smiled at a crowd lining outside the truck.
People quickly form a line outside the truck because they know the dedicated volunteers inside are on a mission.
“Oh man, for 14 years we’ve been coming down here feeding the less fortunate,” Jerrold Boykin explained as he put the finishing touches on a large pot of chili. “Cooking some home-cooked meals. We’ve got all the chefs on here, and just loving on the people who are in need.”
Boykin is the Founder of We Are One Community Unity. It’s a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting the lives of those in need across the City of Detroit. It’s a group working under the motto ‘I’m A Blessing.’
“It’s for other people who read it, and they say it to themselves,” Boykin explained. “I Am A Blessing. So, a lot of people need to understand that they are blessings. That’s how we were created.”
The organization is working to impact some of the city’s most vulnerable residents including the homeless, the underserved, those struggling to make ends meet, or anyone who just needs a helping hand.
“We are so blessed,” Boykin said. “And when you’re blessed, you’re supposed to give back. It’s a lot of people in need. Our lines just keep getting longer and longer. “
On Wednesdays, We Are One Community Unity knows around 400 Detroiters will rely on the meals its volunteers are serving. Stops along Petersboro in Midtown, and along Times Square near the Rosa Parks Bus Terminal Downtown are on the list.
Volunteers said they are helping to address food insecurity, promoting health and wellness, helping to reduce financial burdens, and building community in their own special way.
“It’s amazing,” said Camille Johnson as she served meals to guests lining up at the truck. “Just the connections we’ve made with the people in the community. And it’s just important for us to just be here to give hope, encouragement.”
The nonprofit’s work is something many residents have grown to depend on.
“They help with everything,” said Amara Almore. “With everybody.”
Almore and her children are among regular visitors to the food truck.
“They make me feel like family,” Almore said. “They make me feel very welcome.”
We Are One Community Unity does a lot of service projects across the city. The group provides free haircuts, donates homes, and donates cars in addition to its weekly food distribution program.
If you’re interested in learning more about We Are One Community Unity, or how to volunteer with the group on Wednesdays, visit https://imablessing.Detroitorg/