Posted on: Thursday, August 26, 2004

Mission feeding demand for 30,000 free meals a month

By James Gonser
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer

Business is brisk at The River of Life Mission's charity kitchen in Chinatown — too brisk, according to Rann Watumull, president of the mission's board of directors. More people than ever are finding themselves homeless or otherwise in need of a meal or other help to get by.

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the number of free meals served by the nonprofit Christian-based organization has increased steadily, from about 9,000 to 12,000 a month.

If you include food boxes delivered to people in low-income areas, the mission serves more than 30,000 free meals a month, said Watumull, a vice president at Bank of Hawai'i.

"What is disturbing to us is the number of women and children has been increasing," he said. "The families are the real victims of the ice (crystal methamphetamine) epidemic. ... Most people are ... down on their luck. People that need help."

To raise money for meals and other services, the mission will hold its second annual "Walk for Hunger" Oct. 30 at Ala Moana Beach Park. Volunteers are asked to form teams of friends from work, neighborhoods and churches to walk and collect donations. There is no entry fee.

"Last year, with very little publicity, we had more than 300 walkers," Watumull said. "It is a very cost-effective way to raise support and generate funds. We would love to raise $100,000 this year."

Watumull said that as a faith-based organization, the mission does not accept government money. Most of their funding comes from individual donations averaging $45 each, which is "a lot of people doing a lot of good," he said.

The mission does not offer housing, he said, yet it is much more than a simple soup kitchen. River of Life offers job training, healthcare, showers, clothing, case management, legal aid, computer skills and spiritual support.

The mission was founded in 1985, when volunteers served sandwiches out of a car trunk. It now owns the historic Sumida Building on the corner of Pauahi and Maunakea streets, its home for the past few years.

Carolyn Sun, 51, a volunteer at the mission, spoke at an organizing meeting for the benefit walk yesterday.

Sun was a drug addict and had been homeless for years, sleeping in doorways and on the streets before seeking help at the mission. Today she is drug-free, married and lives in a home of her own.

"The mission helps people — I know," Sun said.

Reach James Gonser at 535-2431 or jgonser@honoluluadvertiser.com.