APRIL 30, 2011   

Volunteer Bob Kraut (right) serves lunch to guest David Martinelli, who lost his job as a truck driver, at the Interfaith Homeless Network’s Annual picnic.

PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES

By Jim Knowles

San Leandro Times

People came for the buffet lunch, the music and conversation at the annual picnic in support of local homeless people.

The Interfaith Homeless Network hosted its 9th Annual Picnic on Saturday, April 30, at San Leandro Community Church on Bancroft Avenue.

The luncheon served about a hundred homeless people, but volunteers, local dignitaries and the public enjoyed the picnic just as much.

“I was a truck driver for a family business and the dad had a stroke, so I’ve been out of work for six months,” said David Martinelli who picked up a plate and took it out to his van. “I haven’t been able to find a job, so this really helps.”

The Interfaith Homeless Network, a coalition of churches and faith groups, also runs the April Showers program, which provides San Leandro’s homeless with a hot shower, lunches, haircuts, laundry vouchers and clean clothing, including underwear and toiletries.

The IHN doesn’t receive grants or any government money – it’s all funded by donations, said Ron Keeney, who’s on the IHN steering committee.

The Kopy-Katz played at the picnic, pleasing the crowd with rock ’n’ roll songs by the Turtles, the Doors and the Beach Boys.

“The band donated their time,” said picnic organizer Noel Moritz. “I didn’t have to do much. Gene Bass has everything organized, so all I did was make some calls and everybody pitched in.”

The IHN also has an annual Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless at San Leandro Community Church.