West Coast Tacos serves 200 tacos at our shelter

Yesterday, after putting in a long night on the truck in Broad Ripple, the West Coast Tacos guys made their way downtown to serve dinner at our Women’s and Children’s Shelter. The guys, proudly wearing their Homelessness Bites tees, served up about 200 of their authentic LA-style tacos  to the ladies and children at our shelter as well as some folks who lined up in the alley.

We’d like to thank West Coast Tacos for “doing the most good” and giving of their time and tacos to make it a special night for families who’ve been through a lot. And we can’t forget the generosity of the folks at TKO Graphix (they’re the ones who logo’d up the taco guys’ truck) who presented a collection for the cause and will help make it possible for this kind of event to happen again in the future. Thanks, everyone!

We know you believe in our cause – to end homelessness for Indy’s moms and kids - and now you know that West Coast Tacos and TKO Graphix do, too. So, check them both out on facebook. Find out where the guys will be serving up tacos next and sample for yourself. You’ll be glad you did!

The Guys from West Coast Tacos ‘Bite Back’

Our campaign is all about encouraging you to find unique ways to give of who you are and what you do to make a difference in the lives of moms and kids who have found themselves homeless because of the economy or domestic violence. Well, Indy, you’re listening.

The guys from West Coast Tacos are on a mission to bring LA-style tacos to the Hoosier Heartland, and they’re making sure to “do the most good” along the way. Yesterday, we saw an article at indystar.com that featured this start-up company and their growing success using facebook and twitter to grow a fan and customer base here in our city. Well, mouths started to water, so the Homelessness Bites crew decided that we should check them out.

That initial curiosity turned into a great partnership. West Coast Taco was looking for a non-profit to help out and we are that non-profit! Patrick, John and Arnold will be pulling their truck up to our Women and Children’s Shelter next weekend to feed them their afternoon meal. How great is that? These guys are giving of who they are to show these ladies and kids that their community cares about them.

So, check out their facebook page. Even better yet, “like” them and they’ll let you know where their truck will be parking to serve next. And thanks, West Coast Tacos. Way to ‘bite back’!

Partner, Picnic at ‘Eat Outside the Box’

In case you haven’t heard, we’re celebrating our 56th annual National Salvation Army Week this May 10-16, and we’ve got some fun events planned. We’ll be sure to tell you more about them soon, but this is where we talk about homelessness in our city. So we’ll start there…at the big finish!

We’re wrapping up the week by having a picnic with a purpose. Join us on Friday, May 14 (10am-2pm) at Veteran’s Memorial Plaza for our 2nd annual ‘Eat Outside the Box’ picnic to end homelessness. We had a really great turnout last year and we’re hoping to continue to spread the word about our Homelessness Bites campaign. You can join the cause in two ways:

1. Become a booth sponsor – A great location and about 400 picnic-goers means prime exposure for our partnering non-profits and businesses. Partnership is super affordable – booth space is just $50! You’re welcome to have displays, giveways and even sell non-food items and you keep the profits! Interested? Call Kristen at 224-1019 and reserve your space today to get in on early promotions.

2. Come out for lunch and take a bite out of homelessness! The central location at Meridian & Michigan is super convenient for the employees of dozens of downtown businesses to just walk over and join us. All-American Picnic Company will be grilling hamburgers in addition to hotdogs. And we’re thrilled to have live music from BandWagon again this year! Lunch and tunes beats leftovers at your desk, right?

The 1,500 kids who spend their nights on the streets of Indy think Homelessness Bites. Do you? We hope you’ll help us Bite Back.

Apple Fest – coming to a station near you!

Not familiar with Apple Fest? Well, here’s the cause – This year 1,500 kids will eat their meals and spend their nights on the streets of Indy. Come out to Monument Circle on October 1 from 10:30am – 1:30pm and Eat in the Street for homeless kids at Apple Fest.

The details for this year’s 6th annual event are coming together. We’re pleased to announce our media partner for this year’s event – Emmis Communications. Now I don’t mention one specific station, because all four of Emmis’ stations will be promoting Apple Fest together. We’re thrilled to be working with the folks from WIBC 93.1fm, ESPN 1070 The Fan, 91.7 HANK fm and B105.7fm! Listen for promotions to start mid-September on-air and via the web.

And, of course, we couldn’t have an event without our food sponsor. Applebee’s is on board to once again bring their tasty, freshly grilled sandwiches and ice cold lemonade to downtown lunchgoers. They generously donate all of their items so we can turn your lunch dollars into a fresh start for homeless moms and their kids.

We’d love it if you’d come out and enjoy lunch for a good cause. And if you want to help us end homelessness in Indy, give Kristen a call at 224-1019 to sponsor a booth. For just $100 ($50 for non-profits) you can show off your wares or services and support our work to give these moms and kids a fresh start.