By Tammy Reese | Tuesday, October 10, 2023 | 7:37 PM ET
World Homeless Day serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and the collective responsibility we have as a society to address this issue. In the midst of this global crisis, community leaders like Shaquin Thomas have emerged as beacons of hope and catalysts for change. As the owner of Soul to Table Catering, Thomas has not only provided nourishment for those in need but has also utilized his platform to advocate for long-term solutions and create a lasting impact on her community.
Today we will explore the remarkable work of Shaquin Thomas and examine how her efforts are transforming lives and inspiring others to take action.
Please tell us about your background in community service or advocacy.
Shaquin: There are a plethora of facets regarding community service and/or advocacy. I realized that I loved young children and especially elderly citizens. I always go out of my way to hold doors open in public, help unload their groceries into their cars, hold doors open in public, and even go as far as to make sure they have food and other essential items needed. That is how it all started for me. Now it is a daily practice in my everyday life.
On the 10th of October people around the world will mark World Homeless Day in many varied ways and change the lives of people experiencing homelessness. In what ways, have you given back and will continue to give back to those in need?
Shaquin: I have served the underprivileged and homeless communities in various ways. I have orchestrated a number of clothing drives and delivered clothes, food, and hygiene kits. I have set up stations in which I served hot meals and provided non-perishable items as well. Back-to-school drives, book drives, and even job fairs are also other ways in which I tried to be a hand-up to help those in need.
How has the impactful community work that you do change your life?
Shaquin: When life is good for me, my very next thought is- I want to ensure my neighbor (and neighbor is anyone in the community/surrounding city) is good as well. It brings me immense joy to give back and put a smile on someone’s face. Delivering snacks, soap, and water to those less fortunate may seem small to some but it is BIG in the grand scheme of things.
What ideas and solutions do you have that can change the course of homelessness in the United States?
Shaquin: I would love to take an old unused building and turn it into a soup kitchen that I would personally cook in and serve in so that the homeless could come in and sit down for a hot meal. It would be even better if the building was an old hotel and could double as a shelter.
Get connected with Shaquin Thomas online.
Owner of Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media, Tammy Reese is an award-winning writer and journalist best known for landing major interviews with Angela Bassett, Sharon Stone, Sigourney Weaver, Laurence Fishburne, Geena Davis, Billy Porter, Morris Chestnut, Nelly, Mona Scott Young, Giancarlo Esposito, Luke Evans, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Connelly, Joseph Sikora, Meagan Good, Leon, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Phylicia Rashad, Omar Epps, Courtney Kemp, Vivica A Fox, Ryan Coogler, and so many more. She is a proud member of ForbesBLK as well as New York Women in Film and Television.
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