At the St. Barnabas Community Resource Center, it is more than just a food pantry—it is a place where community flourishes. People greet each other warmly, saying “Good morning” and “Hello, neighbor,” checking in on one another with genuine care. One recent moment stands out: someone waiting their own turn for reasons of food insecurity, quietly pulling me aside to say, “I wanted to make sure you knew that the person behind me in line may need a little extra care today.” She knew that once the other person walked in, he would be greeted with welcoming concern and immediate action. It is these small, intentional acts that embody the spirit of this place.
Inside St. Barnabas, the quotes on the walls are not just words; they are lived every day. “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together,” reads a quote from Desmond Tutu. It is felt in the way people reach out to each other, knowing that their well-being is interconnected. Nearby, Pauli Murray’s words remind us of the foundation of a thriving community: “True community is based on equality, mutuality, and reciprocity. It affirms the richness of individual diversity as well as the common human ties that bind us together.”
The common human ties that bind us together.
While we work towards a future where no one must stand in a food pantry line, St. Barnabas remains committed to being more than just a resource. It is a place where neighbors recognize each other and ask, “How are you?” It is a space where the simple, yet profound, gestures of mutual care multiply. At last night’s community dinner, I sat next to a woman who brought in a newcomer, who told me he recently lost his housing and wanted to know more about what resources ECS may have for him. Here, community is not just an idea but an everyday practice—one where people uplift one another, recognizing our shared humanity.