Festival Of Compassion Providing Holiday Meal And Other Resources For Homeless

Volunteer Behavioral Health and the Recovery Kitchen are hosting a holiday meal for the those experiencing homelessness or food insecurity.

Recovery Kitchen Co-Founder Justin Veals said the focus of the event is to make the displaced feel understood.

“When I was homeless, I felt like I existed in a world separate from everybody else, and I wasn’t the same as everybody else,” Veals said. “I know that feeling leads to very desperate and hopeless way of being, and so, I just want to make them feel like I am the same as them.”

The meal serves as a centerpiece with several other recovery programs and mental health resources stationed at the event. Attendees can also get haircuts, clothing, hygiene items, flu shots and narcan training.

The Festival of Compassion will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday at 1104 England Drive in Cookeville.