Chili Bowl Monday MLK National Day of Service to Feed and Clothe Our Homeless Neighbors

BUILDING THE BELOVED COMMUNITY

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived his life serving others. Following his example, MLK Day is a federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Muslimat Al-Nisaa Shelter & Inge Benevolent Ministry's annual ‘Chili Bowl’ event goal, – to bring to life his vision of neighbors working together to build a better future.

On this day we locate and serve hot bowls of chili to those homeless on the streets, pass out cold weather clothing and toiletries and provide health screenings to those that need it. Being mindful THAT OUR HOMELESS HAVE NO SPECIFIC ADDRESS, we meet at a site easily accessible to those who are homeless near Fallsway Ave bridge underpass in Downtown Baltimore. Respecting their challenges, to accommodate those we serve, on the day of the event we bring all collected items and travel to their location. Prior to day of the event donations are to be dropped off at the office location. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE OFFICE IS NOT THE ADDRESS OF THE EVENT.

OFFICE DROP OFF LOCATION: (by appointment)

3708 Liberty Heights Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21215

(410) 466-8686

chaplainasmahanif@gmail.com

Sign up to bring a pot of chili, gender specific personal hygiene kits, healthy snacks, warm winter clothing, or as a volunteer to provide health screenings or to serve food. If you are unable to be present, please donate to this event and continue to help those in our community who are homeless. Looking forward to your joining in this effort on behalf of those in need.

27th Annual Chili Bowl Monday MLK National Day of Service to Feed & Clothe Our Homeless Neighbors Volunteer & Sponsorship Opportunity

HISTORY:

The mission and purpose of Inge Benevolent Ministries was/is to provide health, education, social, shelter and other basic human needs to underserved and marginalized populations through actualizing the belief that every man, woman and child has the right to receive quality care in a dignified manner, to be assisted in the achievement of optimal health and well-being, regardless of race, creed, status or socio-economic level. Through our organization we established wholistic  community outreach services programs in order to eliminate health disparities and address the social determinants negatively impacting the health and well-being of minorities by leveraging our center's resources and philanthropic donations.

On this our 27th year our annual Chili Bowl event is where we travel to the Fallsway underpass in Baltimore Maryland and serve hot bowls of chili, healthy snacks and also bring to our homeless and less fortunate neighbors, backpacks, warm clothing and socks, gender specific toiletries including adult disposable bathing cloths and provide health screenings such as blood pressure, covid testing, face masks and sanitizing wipes and varying other onsite services in hopes that we provide them some relief during these cold winter times.  

On January 15th, 2024, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., in observation of the National Day of Service, we begin setting up Chili Bowl Monday at 9:00am in preparation for serving our honored guests.

The purpose of this tradition is to learn to not just sympathize but also empathize with those who only through the Grace and Mercy of GOD could be ourselves. Volunteers are required to either bring a pot of chili, help set up, serve or perform health screenings which is organized via 'giving stations'.  Because we also distribute gender specific personal hygiene kits and warm clothing, we also need individuals to sign up to bring these items (or if unable to be present to drop them off at our office location) via our eventbrite link prior to the day of the event.  Refusing to allow anyone to be made to feel less than anyone else, every volunteer must also socialize and enjoy a bowl of chili with our honored guests.

If you really want to do something meaningful, get to know your neighbors.

Honoring Dr. King’s legacy on MLK Day, we all have the unique opportunity to reflect on the gains we have made and re-commit ourselves to the work that remains as we strive for a more just society.

Our 'Chili Bowl Event' has been documented as "Serving Hundreds of Homeless in Baltimore"

https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-chili-bowl-sunday-20190203-story.html

Baltimore Orioles Birdland Community Hero Award

Chaplain Asma Hanif Talks Chili Bowl Sunday On Radio Interview

Asma Hanif Honored as Outstanding Maryland Volunteer @ 36th Annual Governor’s Service Awards Ceremony

https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/baltimore-nurse-practitioner-opens-health-center-and-shelter-for-underserved-population/

https://www.theawesomeawards.org/nominations/Asma_IngeHanif

https://covid19heroawards.com/project/asma-inge-hanif-a-nurse-chaplain-founder/

INVITATION REQUEST:

Our 47 years of community service documents that the majority of philanthropic organizations/individuals distribute grants/financial support disproportionately and fail to focus on those we serve who are of low income, marginalized, uninsured and/or homeless.  Unfortunately, there are structural inequities which have become institutionalized and must be acknowledged and addressed.

That being said, on behalf of those in need within our community, we seek your support toward the success of this event such that,

"NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND"