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Billy was never quite sure what year he was born, but it was in New York City about 55 years ago. His name was William McManus, though everyone called him “Billly.” His mother died while he was quite young and Billy’s alcoholic father did not provide for him and younger brother Robert. In the 4th [...]
Dear Friends:
Grace and Peace to you!
As a new volunteer and I sat in the Side-By-Side Listening Space one morning, a young man entered wondering what the space was for. We explained it was a place to have your story heard and to connect with yourself and your spirit. He sat down and started sharing. He [...]
Every year the Mexican holiday, the Day of the Dead, is celebrated at Loaves & Fishes. Side-By-Side coordinates the annual service where the names of all our deceased guests from the past are read. On November 2nd this year, 528 names were read. As is the custom in Mexico, traditional marigolds were handed out to [...]
For the second year in a row, the Sacramento Blues Society and the Torch Club sponsored a fundraiser for Side-By-Side. It was on Saturday afternoon, September 19th. Dozens of very talented and well-known musicians and bands freely offered their talents to raise money and awareness for Side-By-Side. There was a raffle for a guitar and [...]
Michelle Dawn loves to dance and teaches dance professionally. For over a year, Michelle has used her gifts and passion for dance to raise money to support Side-By-Side. A group of friends hired Michelle to teach them, which she joyously does with all her fees going directly to Side-By-Side. The lessons are held in a [...]
The Youth group from Centennial UMC, Sacramento, came to Side-By-Side one recent Saturday to serve. After a tour of the facility, they took all the candles we’ve received and put them in bags to be handed out to our homeless guests. They bagged up eleven boxes of candles and assisted with the clean-up too! Great [...]
Bibles –We desperately need Bibles with legible
print, any version, new or used
Writing journals and blank books, with covers
suitable to men
Cross necklaces, rosaries, religious trinkets
Candles, all sizes and shapes, new or used
Financial support to continue our presence with our
homeless sisters and brothers. Money to train listening
volunteers to sit with the homeless, to train and support
churches and [...]
“When I needed someone to simply listen to me — you did. That is such a simple act — but God knows how deeply grateful I am to you.” — Leon B., homeless guest