Homeless. Hungry. Alone, sick with no one to care. These are the realities for thousands of people in the San Joaquin Valley. They come from everywhere: transients with no destination; women in need or in fear; terrified children clinging desperately to their mothers; migrants following the harvests; the elderly, trying to subsist on little or no income; youths with undetermined futures and no hope. Day after day, by car, on foot, or by train, they come to Poverello House seeking food, warmth, and compassion. Poverello House is a private, nonprofit, nondenominational organization that has been serving the hungry and homeless of our community since 1973. Mike McGarvin saw a need and addressed it simply: he began handing out sandwiches on the streets. Inspired by his example, others came to lend a hand, and with the help of churches, businesses, and volunteers, the outreach grew. In 1981, through the generous contribution of a supporter, Poverello House was established in its current loc
