Corner Brook soup kitchen fills growing community need

The Open Door soup kitchen in Corner Brook recently celebrated its one year anniversary of serving up hot meals and friendly conversation to members of the community. 

The Open Door is a weekly lunch hosted by the seven Anglican churches that make up the Humber Deanery.

Rev. Canon Roberta Woodman says some people who visit St. John the Evangelist Cathedral each Monday come from low income households, while others are homeless.

"Sometimes people come for fellowship, sometimes people come to support The Open Door. Whoever comes, there's a need and sometimes it's because they need a meal," Woodman said. 

There are a number of rooming houses in the area and Woodman said the turnout continues to grow. 

Louise Jones, a regular, said the lunch is often the highlight of her week. "I look forward to it and I've got really, really good friends here," she said. 

Jones, who is on social assistance, said many others come from similar financial backgrounds.

John Pike, another regular, said he comes for the conversation — and because the food is delicious. 

"The ones who think that there's no need for it, they've got to get something done to their heads," Pike said. 

"There's a lot of homeless in Corner Brook. There's homeless here today — you don't know it because you're home in your beds in the nighttime. Go out, drive around and see. I see it all the time," he said.

And Pike isn't alone in his views. Douglas Tapp said that for seniors living on a fixed income, The Open Door is a necessity. 

"When I've got money, I pay for my meal. When I can't afford it, well, I get them next time," he said. 

Tapp, who's lived alone for the last 13 years, says the weekly lunch provides him with a sense of community. 

"There's a lot of lonely, hurting people out there and nobody knows about it."