Serving Kindness: Oakland Volunteer Provides Meals to Unhoused Neighbors

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Teajay Tapia. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Teajay Tapia is an Oakland, California, resident and committed volunteer at Rogers and Rosewater, an organization that bring hot homemade meals to those facing homelessness and hunger in the streets of Oakland.

Rogers and Rosewater started in 2018 as one person making food in her kitchen and distributing it to community members in her neighborhood. This eventually inspired Teajay to join, and the organization has since grown to provide 400 meals weekly.

Each week, Teajay prepares meals and harm-reduction kits and then distributes them to people throughout San Francisco. Teajay is also a lead volunteer in packing bag lunches, hygiene kits and pet food bags to distribute to unhoused community members. Inspired by the work of Rogers and Rosewater, over the last four years, Teajay has started to offer his community free stores both monthly and biweekly.

Read on to learn what inspires Teajay to volunteer and his goals for the future.

What inspires you to volunteer?

The people in my life have always inspired me to volunteer. I’ve always wanted to do things and try new activities, this allowed me to work outside my comfort zone. I initially did not know what to do or how to go about things, but now that I’ve met quite a few people, my journey has become more accessible.

Tell us about your volunteer role with Rogers & Rosewater.

I volunteer with Rogers and Rosewater. I pack lunches with them every day. Now, on Monday and Tuesday, I pick up 15 cases of water and distribute it to unhoused folks. On Wednesday, we feed the unhoused and bring smiles to many faces.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

This initiative started the development of role models in my community. I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by amazing community members.

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?

Eventually, I want to see Rogers and Rosewater grow and gain better traction. I would also like to run my free store in a bigger space. Right now, I am working out of my storage space and it’s not ideal, so eventually, I would like to grow and make it much more significant.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

The most rewarding part has been the ability to build a new community, especially with people who share the same values. Also, getting to know other volunteers and more people in my neighborhood has been essential. Then feeling a sense of community is very important. Growing up, I didn’t have that, so it’s incredible to feel a part of a family, which I also don’t have.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

I’ve learned that people just want to be talked to and heard. No one wants to be ignored or feel less than. I also learned that consistency is critical.

Tell us about future partnerships, programs, or events that you are excited about.

Rogers and Rosewater will host a concert in December at one of our local parks. I will run a free store where local friends and community members can shop and enjoy themselves. This also allows people to get to know the community and have fun with one another.

Why do others need to get involved with causes they care about?

Being part of something makes me feel good and being part of a good cause is fantastic. This allows me and others to learn more and know more. It’s never too late, give it a go and never hesitate. Although I wish I had known about these things 14 years ago, it’s still important that I am aware and active today.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

Don’t ask permission.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

Caring about your community is essential. Starting from anywhere at any time will make a world of difference.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Teajay? Find local volunteer opportunities.