Community Corner
Pink Taco Serves Up Thanksgiving Meal to Homeless
Pink Taco opened its doors Thursday for a warm Thanksgiving meal served to the homeless.
Better known for attracting a and serving fresh Mexican dishes in an eclecticly decorated establishment, restaurant in the was all abuzz Thanksgiving day for a very different reason.
For the third year, Pink Taco invited residents of PATH (People Assisting
the Homeless), a transitional housing facility for homeless Angelenos, to dine at their venue for a warm Thanksgiving meal Thursday afternoon.
With the help of a generous donor, about 200 residents from PATH’s four
housing facilities across Los Angeles arrived by bus to Pink Taco. Courtney Kanagi, PATH's director, stressed the significance of not only holding this event outside their housing facilities, but also providing the residents with an experience.
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“It’s great for them to come to a restaurant atmosphere and to be waited on," Kanagi said. "It’s a kind of experience they may not encounter in everyday life.”
Inspired by PATH’s mission to end homelessness in Southern California, Harry Morton, owner of Pink Taco, said linking with PATH to provide a meal for the homeless was inevitable.
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“We like the work PATH does, we’re big fans,” Morton said. “And giving back to the local community has always been part of what Pink Taco is about.”
The event is also timely, said Corey Conrad, director of marketing and special events for Pink Taco.
“Especially in Los Angeles, and with our economy, unfortunately there are a lot of people without homes and without a place to spend their holiday," Conrad said. “We wanted to make sure that everyone has at least the option to have a holiday with family, friends and a warm meal.”
Sidney Porter, who currently lives at PATH, drew a touching perspective of how his life has changed since he moved in two months ago. Homeless for four years, Porter spent his days and nights on the streets of Santa Monica Boulevard, directly across from Pink Taco.
“The other side of the street feels wonderful," Porter said. "This meal means a lot to me today. I’m back in my old neighborhood, on the right side of the fence. It’s a blessing.”
