‘You Help God’s Children Whenever You Can’
It’s hard to think of a time when Henry Bailey wasn’t doing something to help someone else.
In third grade, he served as the school crossing guard. Now, in retirement, Henry volunteers as the Director of the Bond Hill Food Pantry at his parish, Church of the Resurrection, and works in the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Dining Room every Thursday and Friday.
“Back in the day in Catholic school, they ingrained in you that you help God’s children whenever you can,” says Henry, a Cincinnati native and Hughes High School graduate. “I grew up in an old-style village-type concept where everyone helped everyone out.”
Early on, Henry learned about the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4th, which is Henry’s birthday. After reading about St. Francis, Henry was inspired to start volunteering.
He began volunteering at SFSM in 2016 and has seen many changes in the neighborhood over the years. As Over-the-Rhine has been gentrified, the community’s need for critical support for the poor and unhoused has risen. When Henry arrives for his dinner shifts, the line of guests is routinely out the door.
At one recent dinner, SFSM served 320 meals. “We’ve never done that number of meals on Thursdays or Fridays,” Henry says, “but it’s getting to be pretty regular.”
While his parish food pantry serves primarily families, Henry says SFSM is meeting the needs of individuals who have been forgotten by most of society.
“It’s really crucial now. They’re helping the marginal people on a daily basis,” Henry says. “In a small way, I’m helping in that effort.”
Of course, Henry’s efforts are anything but small. He’s a vital member of the volunteer force that makes SFSM’s mission possible.
With the help of dedicated volunteers like Henry, SFSM will continue to meet the growing needs of all those who turn to us for urgently needed help and hope.