Spreading Hope: Mark Shares Words of Encouragement at Venice Beach Homeless Food Distribution

On November 9, 2024, the Oasis Network continued its vital work on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, distributing groceries to the unhoused community. Now under the leadership of Mark, who has stepped in to oversee operations while founder Dan Hubbard is ill, the nonprofit has maintained its mission of providing nourishment and support.

Mark, who is also homeless, starts his day at 5:30 AM, driving to four markets in the South Bay—three Whole Foods locations and one Vons—to collect donations. “We transfer the food from their red plastic totes into boxes and categorize it to make setup easier,” Mark explained, emphasizing the importance of organization in ensuring a smooth distribution process. He noted that he and fellow volunteer Ruben handle these tasks on both Saturdays and Sundays, describing them as “my two favorite days of the week.”

Beyond coordinating food pickup and distribution, Mark brings a sense of community and spiritual guidance to those waiting in line. Before handing out food, he often leads a prayer, encouraging everyone to open themselves up to gratitude and hope. “I smell some joy in the air today,” Mark said. “Let’s feel the joy of giving and receiving.”

The food distributions are orderly, thanks in part to Mark’s leadership and the cooperation of volunteers. “We try to make sure that people aren’t really jumping in with their hands, and we hand everything out to individuals,” he stated, underscoring the effort to maintain fairness.

Despite challenges, Mark remains committed to growing the organization’s outreach. He mentioned that more donations and support would be welcome to enhance their services. “We’re hoping the line gets bigger and the food gets greater,” Mark said. He also expressed a need for more resources, including a vehicle to help with transportation. “Right now, there’s no 501(c)(3); everything’s out of pocket. But with help, we can really grow.”

Mark’s dedication and positive spirit have made him a pillar within the Oasis Network and the Venice Beach community. “I used to stand in this line. Now I’m fortunate to be on the other side,” he reflected. “Trust me, when you change the frequency, everything changes.”