Rone'e Curry wasn't expecting to nourish the multitudes when she opened up Calvary Episcopal Church on Monday nights last year to homeless youth for food and fellowship.
A former "street kid" herself, Curry had run a "coffee house ministry" at the Elm Street Mission for a few years prior. About 40 homeless people, most under 30, stopped in each week for a warm meal and comforting word. When that program ended about a year ago, Curry said, she walked into downtown's landmark red church and asked the pastor if she could move it there.
"They took us in," Curry said.
But what looks like a miracle to Curry, her supporters and those she feeds is seen by others as mayhem in the making. The dinner grew rapidly and larger than anyone predicted, to more than 140 people on some Monday nights. Many who come began to see the church and its wide lawn as a haven during the rest of the week, all sides agreed.
As a result, the weekly meal has divided a church congregation between those who see the event as another opportunity to serve the less fortunate and others who no longer feel comfortable in their spiritual home.
The "coffee house" also has taken heat from those fed up with what is seen as increased panhandling, loitering, drug use and other illegal activity in downtown Santa Cruz. Critics contend the Monday night meal draws diners who then stick around the neighborhood for unsavory activities.
More here-
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_12538829
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