That time a failed membership drive turned into a ministry.

Over thirty years ago, San Diego First Lutheran Church embarked on a mission to attract new congregants, so they opened up the kitchen and served free lunches to the downtown businesspeople. After a few weeks of this, they didn't notice all that many businessmen, but they could definitely see how the tables were filling up with people experiencing homelessness and those living in the low-budget hotels and apartments nearby.

Right away, church members realized they must realign their mission with the needs of the neighborhood, so Third Avenue Charitable Organization (TACO) was created as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization to provide meals, clothing, mail services and social work to those who need it. For the past several years, TACO has expanded to partner with social and educational institutions to offer medical, dental and legal services, weekly. 

Today, we are still at it. TACO is a special community of  volunteers, church members, staff and clients. We work with everyone, regardless of race, gender, background, orientation, nationality, political affiliation, religion or even one's cat/dog preference (!) Over two hundred people come to us for help every day because we treat them with respect and love. 

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Want to join in? Click here to learn how to volunteer.