FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – A Florence organization held a cookout for the homeless on the fourth of July.

Members of the Bread Brigade have served meals to the homeless on Independence Day for the past six years. 

Susan McGrath said the event has grown over the past six years, and she couldn’t be happier.

“When we first started it was three people,” said McGrath. “And then it was 28, and then it was 58, and then it was 80, and now it’s over 100.”

Hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, and potato salad were all on the menu at Wednesday’s cook-out.

“They need shelter, they need food, they need clothes, they need love, and most of all, they need us,” said McGrath.
 

Dozens of homeless people came together to play games, share a meal, and share their stories.

Nancy Alexander said she’s been homeless for three months, after she lost her job last year.

“Everybody is a little different, and they’re from a different walk of life,” she said. “And I just, you know, am glad my family has expanded now to them.”
 
Alexander said she’s grateful for the support she’s received from the local shelters, and the people in them that she’s met over the years.
 
“These people have encouraged me. They’re my family now,” said Alexander. “They say I didn’t look homeless, and I’d say what does homeless look like?” 
 
Alexander said being homeless has been an update battle for her, but she has learned that she wants to help others when she gets back on her feet.
 
“You carry your life in two bags, and that to me, is very struggling,” said Alexander. “It warms my heart, you know, that I know I’m not alone.”

McGrath said people can donate food every Saturday in the parking lot behind HopeHealth.