In a society that treats
its homeless as human garbage, random violence comes naturally. A built-in
disrespect for the life of other human beings is dangerous for communities
of any size. An urban setting sets the stage for contact with a large
number of people on a regular, if anonymous, level. Like a chain that
is only as strong as its weakest link, how a community reacts to the
homeless can be seen as a litmus test of its concern and responsibility.
Enter Jordan Fainberg, owner of The Health Zone, an “80% vegetarian” restaurant
located a few blocks from the White House. Since October 1994, his
restaurant has been providing customer-quality vegetarian
meals for the homeless. The menu provides a listing of the ingredients
in each dish, as well as the grams of fat and the percentage of calories
from fat.
Officially called “2nd Helpings,” the programs allows customers
or concerned individuals to purchase vouchers for one dollar each; vouchers
are numbered and can be redeemed for a free meal between 3-4 pm. A typical
meal covers all the basics — fruit juice, fresh vegetables, rice,
and protein. With over 2,000 vouchers sold in five months, the program
seems to be making a difference.
Voucher meals do not contain anything that would not be served to customers.
In fact, customers sometimes purchase meals prepared around 3 pm for
themselves at full price. When compared to the soggy, overcooked vegetables,
low grade cuts of meat, and rotting fruit offered at shelters, a meal
at the Health Zone is a treat indeed.
Fainberg cites several reasons for his getting involved. He and his
wife used to give food to the homeless sporadically — a sandwich
here and there to a panhandler. He wanted to do more, something that
would provide “daily sustenance” in an organized and consistent
fashion.
As the owner of a small business, he didn’t want panhandlers intimidating
customers on their way in. The homeless person, “in need of money
for food,” is somewhat at odds with the customer “who wants
to help but feels uncomfortable” — wondering if any cash
given will be used for drugs or alcohol. With the vouchers, everybody
wins. Fainberg also believes that in a broader sense, the voucher program
helps the community. There are fewer panhandlers in the area, which
creates the feel of a safe city. In addition, people who want to contribute
to the well-being of the local homeless have a fail-safe method of
doing
so.
The voucher program is not meant to evolve into a substitute for the
social services available in D.C. The restaurant currently serves about
15-20 voucher meals a day, which Fainberg says “is about right.”
Last October he wondered if the program would become “too successful;” each
meal is provided below cost, and despite good intentions the restaurant
needs to make money to stay in business.
But Health Zone is making more money that it did a year ago at this
time. Fainberg believes that may be due to the publicity surrounding
the program, increased word of mouth advertising, and even the possibility
of improved recipes in the kitchen. (The restaurant opened 16 months
ago.)
While most hungry people will and do eat just about anything, a few
customers have reported that occasionally a homeless person will refuse
the voucher and demand cash. “In that case,” Fainberg says,
“you know the person won’t use the cash for food, because
you’re offering food. It can be disappointing, but most homeless
people are happy to receive them.” So happy in fact, that they
sometimes enter the restaurant and ask customers or employees for vouchers.
“When that happens, we ask the homeless person to wait in the
park across the street. Then when a voucher is purchased we tell the
customer that someone in the park would like one. If by 3 pm no one
has given the person a voucher, I’ll send an employee over with
one.”
Vouchers cannot be redeemed for cash, and cannot be redeemed if the
bearer is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The vast majority
of homeless customers understand and comply with the rules. Although
voucher meals are prepared to go, they can be eaten in the restaurant
if space permits. On a Monday afternoon recently at 3:10, a few business-types
ate late lunches in complete harmony with the homeless. Health Zone
has no “Homeless Section.”
One of the “regulars” for voucher meals, James Russel Haris,
said, “The food is good. I like coming here.” Born in 1950,
Haris used to mow the lawn at Arlington Cemetery until he cut his toe
on the job. When we spoke, he had a bandage around his ankle. Although
he’d been to four hospitals, he hadn’t seen a doctor because
they’d been “afraid to touch” him. He doesn’t
do drugs and has no diseases. He says the shelters are not safe, since
“people know when your check is coming and they steal it.” Fortunately,
Haris has a friend who receives his checks at her house and then gives
them to him.
Like many homeless people, he drinks alcohol “to stay warm.”
Sleeping on concrete with an empty stomach is extremely painful and
unpleasant; but while alcohol creates a warming sensation, it actually
lowers the drinker’s body temperature.
Health Zone recently initiated another program called Conscientious
Cutlery. Customers can purchase metal silverware for 45 centers per
piece, and bring their set with them each time they eat. The routine
plastic utensils cannot be recycled.
For more information about the voucher program or Health Zone call
202-371-2900, or contact by e-mail at healthzone@ari.net. Fainberg
has plans to open
more restaurants in the Washington area — a bonus not only for
health-conscious eaters, but for the District community as well.
Sadia Carone is a writer who was homeless for four
months in 1993 and experienced first-hand the misery of shelter food
and disrespect for the homeless. She lives in Washington, DC.
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