In 2014, on a trip post her engagement, Shareen and her husband Joshua happened to pass by an old man on the street crying for food. Struck by this, the couple decided to help feed the man whenever they could. “I remember coming home that night and crying, all I could think was something has to be done about this”.
Shareen, 30, through ‘Feed of Love’ has been able to feed around 100 homeless people every day in and around Chennai. Unfortunately, after 7 months in the same year the old man passed away. Although initially the couple bought food from hotels to distribute among the homeless, by 2017 Shareen began cooking from her small kitchen in Madipakkam. “So far we have been receiving funds from our friends and family. There are months when we have a shortage in resources and to cover that we sacrifice some of our personal provisions.”
The couple has encouraged volunteers and currently has students from MCC who are doing their degree in BSW and MSW. Her vision was for others to be able to have atleast one meal a day made by her hand. Her husband Joshua who is a pastor helps find those in need in and around Chennai and distribute food. Their goal is to help transform their life and find them a proper shelter. “We take them to a barber shop and give them a clean haircut and feed them for around a year during which we ensure they find a shelter and can stand on their own two feet”. She begins preparation by 2 pm and the food is ready to be distributed by 7 pm. She has plans to build a new soup kitchen to cater to the increasing need.
