L.O.V.E’s Kitchen in Meridian will soon offer more than just a hot meal.

In addition to expanding its hours, the center will offer a new program geared at helping the homeless population.

Fannie Johnson, executive director, said the expansion is something she’s been thinking about for years. The center will still serve breakfast and lunch, but will remain open until 4:30 p.m., offering a host of other services.

Johnson said various services will be provided on different days, with the program changing, based on the needs of clients. Services will include resume help, GED preparation and job training and career readiness classes offered through Meridian Community College.

The new program will begin next week and last for the next three months. Johnson said she choose those months because that’s when homeless people often seek shelter from the cold weather.

The three months will serve as a pilot to see what works, but Johnson hopes to make the program a permanent part of L.O.V.E’s Kitchen.

A partnership

The expanded services are a result of a partnership between L.O.V.E’s Kitchen and the United Way of East Mississippi and its partner agencies.

Derron Radcliff, executive director of the United Way, said the organization became involved after it was approached by a private donor who wanted to help the homeless population. Radcliff said he gave the donor a list of agencies they could help and that’s how L.O.V.E’s Kitchen got involved.

“This really is win – win for The United Way, L.O.V.E’s Kitchen and the community as whole,” Radcliff said.

Johnson has two visions for the program. One is to provide a safe space for homeless people during the day. A second goal is to provide help to those who need it.

“We are kind of filling in the gap during the daytime,” she said.

Johnson said she considered moving the new program to another area, but decided the services can be provided at the current location at 801 18th Avenue. If the program is successful, it could be moved to a new place, she said.

Tacara Taylor, a staff member at L.O.V.E’s Kitchen, said the new program will be a big help for their clients. Johnson agrees, and hopes that with help from the community, the new program will be a success.

“We’re more of a hand up than a hand out,” she emphasized.