PHOTO PROVIDED Those in need line up outside “God’s Table” at Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church.

“God’s Table” -an ecumenical program that began in early 2001 at Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church and serves the homeless and needy of the Fort Myers Beach area- has seen a slight increase in need mostly due to the poor economy that has caused people to lose their jobs.

The volunteer-based program is open Monday through Friday from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and sponsored by the Beach Ministerial Association, a group of pastors from all church affiliations on the island including the host Presbyterian church, St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Beach United Methodist Church, Beach Baptist Church, Saint Raphael’s Episcopal Church and the Catholic Church of the Ascension.

“I think a sense of caring is an important thing to the community,” said Barbara Steffey, who along with her husband, Max, are the God’s Table program coordinators. “Prior to this service, people on the Beach who needed help would go from one church to another. This brought everyone together.”

“God’s Table” offers breakfast; a bag lunch; canned food for an evening meal; clothing; blankets; personal items; showers; and haircuts. It aids in human services such as medical assistance on a weekly basis from Family Health Centers of Fort Myers, which has a homeless grant to help people with medical care and outreach services by bringing in representatives from the Salvation Army and Veterans Administration who help people sign up for veteran benefits, health benefits and entitled pensions. It helps with rehabilitation programs for alcohol and drug abuse by directing people to Southwest Florida Addiction Services and offers computer-related assistance such as helping those who need to apply for food stamps and other services.

“We assist people with any of those types of services,” said Steffey. “We assist people with making appointments and transportation for medical reasons, obtaining identification, applying for food stamps, getting into detoxification programs and other programs of self help.

PHOTO PROVIDED Clothes are donated to the cause.

“Family Health Centers is such a wonderful service because if people don’t have a car or health insurance, it would be difficult for them to get medical care.”

According to Steffey, the Beach Kiwanis Club -which donates clothes from their thrift store as well as financially providing food- is the main supporter of God’s Table which sees regular contributions from Publix and Topps supermarkets. The program is officially a 501 C3 corporation which enables them to get tax-deductible contributions.

“We’re supported by some great contributors, but that only covers half of our expenses,” said Steffey. “The rest is by private donations. It really warms my heart when we get donations from people who participated in the program. That’s such a great feeling when someone who you’ve helped out comes back and says ‘I’ve got a job and I want to help you now.'”

Although Beach residents lend a hand, many of the God’s Table volunteers and supporters are from off the beach. Then there are those who come for the goods and also contribute to the need.

“Many people help set up all the tables and chairs and help with the dishes and put all the stuff away,” said Steffey.

With the economy in such a poor state, God’s Table not only provides services for the homeless, but for those who have stumbled on tough times.

“We have people who come in who have jobs but have to pay their rent and utility bills and don’t have much money left over,” said Steffey. “Some people come in to get food or a bagged lunch to take to work. It used to be 95 percent men in here. But we are seeing a lot of women and some families with very young children now. Some families need clothing for their children and a lot of people have been applying for food stamps because they are out of work.

“It’s not just men on the street that we’re caring for. There are a lot of people who don’t have family that can come and be part of the family here. They can have friendship and help, and they can have someone who cares for them.”

Steffey says God’s Table receives a variety of patrons.

“Some people we see once and never see them again,” she said. “Some people will be around for a few weeks to a couple of months. Some people will be here for years. They may come, and then we may not see them for a year or two. They might fall on hard luck and come back. If we don’t see them, we may worry.”

Steffey mentioned that fellowship and prayer time are important aspects of the program.

“We are all part of the Family of God, and extend Christian fellowship to all who come,” she said. “Anyone and everyone are welcomed. We have no restrictions by age, race, color or creed.”

Tax deductible contributions may be sent to: God’s Table, P. O. Box 6595, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33932. For more information please call Barbara and Max Steffey at (239) 357-5504.

“We’re always looking for volunteers or other help especially in the summer,” she said.