For over a decade, I have had the honor and privilege of volunteering at the Common Table soup kitchen. I have witnessed firsthand the impact it has on the lives of hundreds of homeless individuals across New York. It has been more than a place of sustenance; it has been a sanctuary, a community, and a beacon of hope for those in desperate need. The recent decision by Calvary-St. George’s Church to evict Common Table is not just a logistical misstep – it’s a betrayal of compassion.

Common Table has been serving the Gramercy community for over 25 years, offering warm meals and a comforting space for those often left in the shadows. This abrupt eviction, prompted by new rules from Rev. Jacob Smith, which bar guests from using bathrooms and compel them to eat outside, threatens to dismantle a lifeline for many vulnerable New Yorkers.

We cannot stand by as bureaucratic decisions strip away essential services crucial to our community's wellbeing. With winter approaching, the need for indoor dining and bathroom facilities becomes even more critical. This decision doesn’t just impact the homeless; it impacts the volunteers, the community leaders, and everyone dedicated to battling hunger and homelessness in our city.

I am personally committed to finding a solution to this crisis. I have offered to cover the expenses necessary to maintain the Common Table’s operations. However, we need Calvary-St. George’s Church to stand with us in this endeavor and allow the soup kitchen to continue its mission.

Join us in urging Rev. Jacob Smith and the leadership at Calvary–St. George’s Church to reverse the eviction and reinstate this vital service. Invite them to embrace the true essence of community and support those less fortunate. By signing this petition, you can help bring back Common Table and restore its rightful place in Gramercy. Let us reaffirm our commitment to compassion and humanity. Please sign and share this petition to make your voice heard.