Meet Jon: Former Guest, New Marine
Matt Talbot serves thousands of people each year. Some people come once or twice, others use services for a longer period of time before getting back on their feet. However long it takes, once people find stability and self-sufficiency, we usually don’t see them again.
But last year one of our staff members happened to meet a young man named Jon while getting bids on a home project. They visited a bit, and when Jon learned that she worked at Matt Talbot he shared his story of how Matt Talbot made a difference in his life.
Growing up Jon lived in a two bedroom apartment in a poorly maintained building near 26h & U Street with his mom, older cousin, and little brother. He remembers that his mom used some of the programs that are in place to assist low income families, like food stamps.
And they would come to Matt Talbot for warm meals.
Jon didn’t like waiting in line for food, but enjoyed being at Matt Talbot and knew that it was a place they could come as a family and be fed.
“Looking back I can see that getting out of the apartment, eating at Matt Talbot, and seeing people being kind enough to assist others really helped our situation.”
Jon’s story is a reminder of the importance of what happens every day at Matt Talbot. A warm meal in a welcoming environment goes a long way in helping families stay housed, healthy and in school.
“Because of Matt Talbot my family was a little better off. I graduated from high school, have my own house, worked as an EMT and just joined the Marines. My wife, son and I are preparing for the journey to come.”
