Hot Dog Lunch – as it’s known by the locals – was started in 1996 by Grand Rapids attorneys Brian Plachta and Jim Flickinger when both saw hungry people looking for food in the trash dumpster behind their office. Brian and Jim set up a Coleman in Veterans’ Park across the street from their office and started grilling hot dogs. People lined up for this impromptu picnic. Brian and Jim probably fed 50 people that day and decided to return the following Tuesday, and the next, and the next. Soon, volunteers Judie and Adrian Brown came on board to lead what would become a permanent event every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. in the park. Rain or shine or even Christmas Day, the Browns, the people of the law firm, a bunch of volunteers, and at least 300 people in search of food and friendship, show up. It’s been more than 600 Tuesdays of Hot Dog Lunch in Veterans’ Park.

Since the anniversary event, I’ve returned to the park to volunteer here and there, and I’ve got to know people better. It’s as easy as just showing up – no need to call ahead. Anyone and everyone’s welcome. Although the organizers are Catholic, Hot Dog Lunch is not for evangelization or conversion. It’s simply about doing what Christ would do. Living the Whatsoever verses.

   
   
It’s also not about “the handout.” This is a place where the lines between “have” and “have not” are blurred. People are just people, breaking bread – well, hot dogs – with each other. Getting to know each other without the shackles of convention or expectation.

About a year ago, a fellow who said his name was Turtle came up to me in the park and asked me to tell his story. He must have heard I was a writer. “I have so much to say, but no one who will listen,” he said.

I had no venue to tell his story, I replied. But we talked for a few minutes. I asked him where he lived, and he gestured with his arms: “I live here in this great big world,” he said.

But where do you sleep?, I asked.

“Here and there. The earth is my bed, the sky is my blanket.”

Although I haven't seen him since then, his words struck me and have stayed with me.

A couple of months ago, I decided to redo my Web site, and it dawned on me: I do have a venue to tell his story and others’. And that’s what this page is. Just a place to see the faces and hear the voices of the people of Veterans’ Park. Some are the working poor. Some are homeless. Many are gifted as poets and artists. So, here are their stories – just little snippets about why they come to Hot Dog Lunch, their thoughts on poverty, employment, people, and peace. – Molly Klimas