On November 9, 2024, volunteers from Oasis Network continued their vital work of distributing groceries on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, extending their support to the unhoused community. Oasis, founded by Dan Hubbard, is renowned for providing food, emotional, and spiritual assistance. Although Hubbard, the former CEO, is currently unable to oversee operations due to illness, volunteers have maintained the organization's commitment to uplifting those in need. Among them is Tom, who is unhoused himself but exemplifies resilience and leadership.
The Oasis team starts their mornings early, collecting food from four different markets in the South Bay, including three Whole Foods locations and one Vons. Tom plays a critical role in preparing for the food distribution, sweeping the area before the food truck arrives and assisting with unloading and organizing. “I try to clean all the debris from the night before so that everything is ready when people show up,” he shared while sweeping the grounds and speaking with Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz. The truck typically arrives between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, bringing the generous food donations that sustain the effort.
Tom also manages the line of people waiting for food, ensuring fairness amidst the crowd. However, the task comes with challenges. “We’re supposed to have some added security because there have been a couple of fights up here,” Tom mentioned. He recounted incidents involving altercations and noted the presence of law enforcement teams like the Circle and SAFE teams to maintain order.
Despite difficulties, Tom takes pride in the community effort. “This is for the needy, not the greedy,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect among those waiting for food. “Some people line up at 4:00 in the morning to secure their place, and it’s not fair when others show up later and try to cut ahead.”
Tom’s dedication goes beyond managing food lines; he also cleans and maintains public spaces, including the boardwalk bathrooms. “I buy my own bleach and alcohol to sanitize the area. At the end of the day, this is our home,” he said.
A military veteran, Tom’s journey to this point has been marked by personal battles, including overcoming addiction and health challenges related to chronic kidney disease (CKD). He shared, “I was diagnosed with stage 4 CKD. Insurance only covered so much, so I chose to fight it on my own terms, even if it meant living out here.” Despite adversity, Tom continues to lead by example, inspiring others in the community to maintain cleanliness and order.
Tom also highlighted the underlying struggles that contribute to addiction among the unhoused. “It’s easy to say, ‘I’m an addict,’ but harder to admit, ‘I gave up on myself.’ Many out here have given up on life and use drugs as a way to cope,” he reflected. Yet, he remains steadfast in his recovery, acknowledging the support from friends, fellow veterans, and even some police officers who encourage him.
His commitment to positive change has earned him respect, even among those who may not always agree with him. “Some people hate me for standing out, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to take the good with the bad,” Tom said before resuming his volunteer duties.
