Joshua, shown here speaking at his graduation ceremony, came to the Mission after receiving a meal.

It all starts with a meal

In April 2024, a stark reality was unfolding in Santa Maria. From the 101 overpass, visible on the dirt paths of the riverbed between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, a sprawling encampment had taken root. Old tents, rusty, stolen bicycles, and dirty tarps stretched over dying plants formed makeshift structures. This “homeless city” was expanding so rapidly it had developed its own “suburbs.” While Mission staff had ventured into this wilderness before, their success was limited.

Rather than trying to enter the riverbed directly, RMA CC staff partnered with the City of Santa Maria to use nearby Presker Park as a beacon of hope.

It all starts with a meal.

The team brought a barbecue, and food was generously donated by local grocery stores, alongside clothing and shoes. The word was spread, inviting individuals to emerge from the desolation and receive nourishment. Volunteers stood ready with plates piled high with potato salad, roasted chicken, pastries, and cold drinks. Guests perused picnic tables laden with items to cover their bareness. Some sat alone in silence, while others found the nourishment of the soul through conversation. Joshua was one of the latter.

Joshua had been living in the riverbed for six months. He initially intended to simply grab a plate of food and leave, but he was drawn in by the promise of a shower.

It all starts with a meal.

That simple invitation opened the door for Joshua to talk with Ryan, a resident of our men’s Life Recovery Program.

This connection, sparked by a shared meal, led Joshua to enter our Life Recovery Program. “They checked me in and told me to go rest. I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “They showed me how to make my bed and walked me through the expectations. I felt like I was walking on clouds. I couldn’t believe it was real.

“I was raised Catholic... The people here are actually loving and understanding. I was not used to that... I feel acceptance here.”

In August 2024, Joshua was baptized, and in April 2025, Joshua graduated. He is now working at a restaurant in Santa Maria, attending Allan Hancock College, and is nearly ready to earn his driver’s license.

That barbecue’s impact was undeniable. For individuals like Joshua, it served as a powerful turning point and a simple reminder: It all starts with a meal.