I walked towards the brilliant light and opened the door. I was greeted by the familiar crackle of the loudspeaker 98! 98! Number 98 your order is ready! I approached the counter and placed my order. As I sat down with my double-double I noticed an oddly familiar face, tired and worn gazing into the distance. I soon realized he was the homeless man I nonchalantly looked away from as I entered the restaurant; trying to give my conscience the same slip I gave him. Across from him sat a businessman. As I listened to them talk I overheard the man, in his broken English, thank the businessman for offering him a short shelter from the gnawing of hunger and the blistering cold of night. Suddenly I felt the full fury of my emotions and realized the potential we all have to help others, yet seem to dismiss for momentary convenience. I decided enough was enough. People simply should not go hungry, stay cold, and live life alone during their hardest times.
Vic Merjanian founder STAAND
It is with this desire to make a difference that STAAND was founded. Together we serve the San Diego community by organizing and executing programs that generate resources for our underprivileged peers. Join us in supporting the San Diego Rescue Mission and MDpH a new non-profit organization dedicated to promoting proper health for low-to-no-income individuals.
