Summerfield United Methodist Church serves up hot lunches and vaccines to those in need

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Summerfield United Methodist Church (UMC) serves up a hot, homemade meal to about 70 people, four days a week at the church. 

The church also offers warm clothes to people for the winter, and on Wednesday, Dec. 15, COVID-19 vaccines were added to the list of help they offer.

Lynne Hines-Levy, a pastor for the church, said people come to Summerfield UMC when they're in need because it's a trusted place in the community.

"We have a lot of homeless, a lot of food insecure, a lot of people who just cannot make their food money stretch," explained Hines-Levy. 

Over the last year, she, and others with the church, have worked hard to raise awareness about the importance and safety of the vaccines to those people. 

"They know that what they have done here, what they get here is going to be safe," said Hines-Levy. 

Three weeks ago, Summerfield UMC hosted its first vaccine clinic, about 24 people received their COVID-19 vaccine. Wednesday was the second clinic.

"I just need my booster shot," said Roy Lecus.

Lecus said convenience is the reason he got his vaccine at Summerfield UMC. It took him just five minutes to pick up a hot lunch of spaghetti, vegetables and cheesy macaroni and get his vaccine. 

"Many don't have computer access, so they can't register for a time or a date, or they don't necessarily know when or where they can go," said Hines-Levy. 

She said offering the vaccine during the free meal program means people don't have to go out of their way to get the vaccine. 

You can find a clinic offering the vaccine near you here.