“They make you feel human”: All are welcome at Waco’s Gospel Cafe

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - There is a house on the corner of 10th Street and Cleveland Avenue in downtown Waco.

No one lives there.

However, you will find it packed with those struggling to get by.

It’s called the Gospel Cafe.

Each Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., more than a hundred people walk or wheel their way to the front counter to order lunch.

For some, it could be the only meal they get for the day.

One woman, Danielle, said she’s been homeless for two years.

“There’s days I’ve been without water, food, anything. And I’ve asked for help and people just tell me no,” she said.

She’s been a patron of the cafe for about 9 months, and she continues to come back for more than good grub.

“They make you feel like a person. They make you feel human.”

So what does that look like?

That means being able to sit at a table, drink from a glass, use silverware (not the plastic single-use utensils,) and choose what to eat for free.

It is those choices that Danielle and the others said mean so much because out on the streets there aren’t many choices.

One of the biggest components of the Gospel Cafe is community. It is people of all walks of life coming to share a meal.

“Our original customers were to be both the rich and the poor, and a safe place for that to come together without distinction because as Christians, whether you are rich or poor you are loved by God the same,” said John Cowley, who has been volunteering his time for nearly two decades.

Over time that has changed.

The line outside the door has gotten so long, many from the business community don’t have the time to wait.

It is often wrapped around the building.

Cowley is a member of Crossties Ecumenical Church which bought what was an old, dilapidated house, renovated it, and started the Gospel Cafe in it nearly 30 years ago.

He said the number of people who come through the cafe right now is manageable.

Of course that could change.

The cafe could see 100 people or 500.

Whatever the number on any given day, takes a lot of money and preparation on behalf of the other folks in this purposefully created community.

That’s where the volunteers come in.

Candace Moore is one of several from a number of churches that help out in the kitchen.

Some make the grocery runs, which can cost hundreds to more than a grand per week.

Some cook, others drop off tasty sweets.

It is a labor of love that bridges the gap between the haves and the have nots in a space where relationships are formed.

Eva Ann Cunningham is another long-time volunteer.

She said, “Not only do we have this wonderful friendship of working together but, we get to know some of these people and realize that there’s not that much difference between them and us. And I think you don’t find that unless you are around people and serve them and you have the give and take.”

It is that kind of balance that many have said can only be achieved with their faith at the center.

After the food is ready and before the door swings open, the group of volunteers huddle-up to give thanks and ask for another blessed day.

Looking back, Cowley remembers what attracted his small congregation to this part of town.

“Back then, the neighborhood was a vibrant poor neighborhood. Lots of houses, rented, but some owned and lots of poor people lived in the whole area. That’s not the case anymore because of gentrification.”

The Gospel Cafe is near the Silo district and all its high-priced shopping, eateries, and tourists.

While old homes are being torn down and replaced with upscale vacation rentals and hotels, many of its homeless inhabitants remain for now.

This neighborhood evolution, though, could threaten this mission of mercy.

Many wonder if that happens, how that could affect the cafe and its patrons.

Some fear it could push the poor out of the area, rendering the organizations that help them without clients.

For Danielle, she said that could create a more dreadful situation.

She said she suffers with heart failure and doesn’t get around well.

“We’d have to go to the Salvation Army. But like me, I can’t walk all the way to the Salvation Army. I’d be stuck literally with nothing.’

The Salvation Army is currently a mile from the cafe.

However, in the future it could be much further.

Officials there have said there are plans to relocate outside of downtown.

Until the time comes for this neighborhood and its remaining residents are confronted with change, the Gospel Cafe offers sustenance for the body and the soul.

“It’s a place of love and it’s a place of complete acceptance. There’s no judgement here. And we are here because we believe that to serve others is to serve Christ,” said Cunningham.

Since the cafe runs off the kindness of others, Cowley said, anyone is welcome to come volunteer.

He only asks that you show up by 11:25, which is when the group prays together.

Financial contributions can be made by mailing a check or money order to:

P.O. Box 324, Waco, Texas 76703.

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