TOLEDO, Ohio — It's been one year since the SAME Cafe opened its doors and heart to the Toledo community with the goal of treating everyone the same.
Damon Brandy, a cafe patron, said he comes to eat and volunteer at the cafe regularly because they were there when he needed help.
He said everyone should come in happy and just show love.
"You know I came homeless, so the food is always good," said Brandy. "It's for a good cause, but my favorite part is honestly volunteering and helping the community and the staff."
If you have the time, the food is there for you. The cafe director said no one is turned away.
"All of our meals are on a participation basis so we are kind of the evolution of the 'pay-what-you-can model,'" said Rori Quinonez, the executive director of the SAME Cafe. "So one of the ways that we say you can contribute or participate for your meal is you can make a monetary donation in any amount, but you can also volunteer 30 minutes of your time or donate fresh produce that we can use for a future meal."
Since opening, the cafe has served nearly 18,000 customers and climbing.
The director said a combination of being centered in downtown Toledo and within the Main Library has led to a successful first year.
"It means the triumph of a lot of hard work both of staff and volunteers, but really the community as a whole," said Quinonez.
Brandy is no longer homeless, but he still comes in for the soups, salads and volunteering.
It's his favorite part of the SAME Cafe.
"Just get back there and zone out, you know. Zone in, lock in and do whatever I can to help," said Brandy.
He also encourages people to come to the cafe because it's a great way to meet people and network.
"Don't be shy. If you're homeless definitely step in, you will get taken care of and the volunteering part, I think it's wonderful because it allows people to be social and if you don't have money, you can donate your time or produce," said Brandy. "But time is always cool because you get to know people, you get to run into the people that you need that can help you outside of the cafe."
The cafe is open for lunch Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.
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