Salvation Army Laconia Corps Community Center — Attraction in Laconia

I went 2 the soup kitchen, 4 the 1st time, on time. At 12 noon, when people were supposed 2 b served the food then.

But, instead, a "lady", that I first thought was kind, but later ruined my day, said "sorry, there was a miscommunique, with the cook". There was no food ready. So she said they'd "go & whip something up". It took 45 minutes of waiting. They finally served, at 12:45 AM, when it was supposed 2 b over.

Because they were VERY late serving, I asked 4 some 2 go. She said some policy, banned take out food. I put it in some food containers that I'd brought anyway. So, then the "lady" came & made a snarky comment, about "thanks for ignoring the policy I just stated" then she left quickly.

I know, I know, it's all MY fault, 4 breaking a policy, 2 eat. Because THEY were late, I didn't have time 2 sit, & eat it there.

My ride was waiting because I don't drive anymore. So, people were supposed 2 wait in a hot car, while we eat it there, or we miss a taxi, or bus, if we want 2 eat, or we just leave without it because we have 2 catch our transportation, at exactly 12:45 AM, when it was supposed 2 b over.

Many of the other people, that had come, left b4 they got anything 2 eat.

The worse thing is, make a bet, they''ll throw away all that extra food, that they won't let people take, that wasn't eaten, by the people that had 2 b somewhere at 12:45am. The food was supposed 2 have been served at noon, so people had 45 minutes 2 eat it there, but this time, they didn't.

So, they do NOT "Do the Most Good". "Policy Before People", should b their new motto.

I would have eaten there, had THEY not been late. We r supposed 2 blindly accept, & b tolerant, that they r late, but they can't accept, & b tolerant, that because they were late, I, & others, didn't have time 2 eat it there.

I have gone 2 many soup kitchens, over the years, & NEVER felt unwelcome, until coming 2 this area. The people running these things, have no clue, what it's like 2 live a deprived life.

They also assume, if u look "normal", than u r "normal". Many people have invisible disabilities.

They don't bother asking people, if they have food allergies (dairy, egg, soy, nuts, etc) , dietary restrictions (diabetics, vegans, vegetarians, etc), or other issues (no teeth, etc)

I felt like rubbish, as always, & I'd rather starve, than go there again.

That was the most un Christian way 2 behave. They say they r all about unbias, & acceptance, & then come, & b snarky. Would Jesus have done that? Come, get food, BUT YOU CAN'T LEAVE WITH IT!

So now, I want 2 throw away the food tainted with snark. But I didn't, because I'm not wasteful that way. I fed it 2 people, so I wouldn't see it, 2 remind me of this depressing incident, which would have never happened, if their cook had shown up on time.

It seems the very least they could do, would be 2 require cooks 2 b called, with a reminder, an hour b4 the cafeteria doors open, 2 prevent this from happening again.

Also, y not have the greeter, announce 2 EVERYONE, that take out is not allowed, assuming people r served on time, so they have enough time 2 eat there.

The other soup kitchen, INSISTS people leave with the food, so it isn't wasted.

I really miss the genuine kindness of the soup kitchens not around here. But even the homeless shelter in that area, was turned into an incarceration center, by policy over needs.

Policies & ordinances, r what contribute 2 homelessness, like no sleeping in cars, vans, etc., no overnight parking, no living in campers/RVs in driveways, backyards, or vacant lots, no sleeping in barns, attics, or sheds, no Tiny Houses, single occupancy only, deed restrictions, like site built dwellings only, no camping within city limits, etc.), otherwise, people would find shelter on their own.

Thank goodness I have permanent amnesia, & I'll forget this ever happened, but I won't forget the building is a bad place.

If u need food from their pantry, b prepared 2 give EVERY bit of identifying info possible, great 4 ID theft...

Very helpful and genuinely caring people. If your in need of help go there and you will find help. When no one else will help, which most of the time they won't. I live off grid in the woods, I'm not a drug addict or am alcoholic but that's the first thing people think. Most of the time people see me with my back pack, which has all my belongings hanging off of it, they won't even make eye contact with me because they think I'll ask them for something. When in reality I work 40+ hours a week for a concrete company and I don't need anything from anybody most of the time but like anyone else sometimes Im broke. The salvation army will help when no one else will. There wonderful and Leave me feeling closer to god, that's just me, the way I Choose to live has made me very humble. The smallest Hospitality from anyone is appreciated beyond what words Can express. All you need to survive is water food and shelter. The Salvation Army provides clothing, and a warm meal almost every day for those in need. God bless them All, the Captain and his wife, all the employees and the voluteers, and especially the ones in need who find their way there. Please all of you who read this help when you can and the hospitality and kindness you show will come full circle and will eventually warm the hearts of all and this world will be a better place for all of to exist...

I may be biased as I grew up going there for church. They have always been very helpful to people in need. I met my wife through The Salvation Army when we were about 6 years old and we are now been married for 28 years and have 4 grown children and 4 beautiful grandkids. I will always have special place in my heart for the Laconia Corps of The...