If you would like to publish a Letter to the Editor, send it to info@SebastianDaily.com. While we can’t guarantee publication for every letter we receive, we make every effort to share as many as possible.
In nearly every community, it’s hard not to notice the growing presence of homelessness—and even harder for most people to know how to truly help. The causes are complex and varied.
Here in Indian River County, Catholic Charities’ Samaritan Center continues to see more working families in crisis. Each story is different, but common triggers include job loss, a devastating medical diagnosis, mental health struggles, or domestic abuse. Combine these challenges with a critical shortage of affordable housing, and families can slip from stability into homelessness almost overnight.
For parents, the experience is frightening. For children, it can be life-altering, uprooting their sense of safety and stability. The consequences can ripple through a lifetime.
Thankfully, our county has a strong network of government, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations working together to meet this urgent need. We are making progress—but we cannot do it alone. By supporting the Samaritan Center’s 33rd Annual Soup Bowl on November 6, you can directly impact the lives of homeless families in our community.
Shelter—and So Much More
Funds raised from the Soup Bowl provide more than shelter. Guided by the mission of keeping families together, our team of caseworkers, counselors, and trauma specialists partner with local organizations to offer life skills training, educational programs, and counseling. We address urgent housing needs while also setting families on a path toward long-term stability and independence.
The Story Behind the Soup Bowl
The Soup Bowl tradition began with our first Advisory Board, led by Betty Egan, who reflected on how many homeless individuals survive on nothing more than a humble bowl of soup each day. This simple but powerful image became the heart of the fundraiser—a reminder that, in our abundant world, many still struggle for life’s most basic needs.
Indian River Clay artists embraced the mission and began handcrafting unique pottery bowls, which remain the centerpiece of the event. This year, over 1,000 one-of-a-kind bowls will be available for purchase. These bowls are more than art—they are symbols of hope.
Over time, local churches, nonprofits, and businesses have rallied behind the cause, growing the Soup Bowl into a beloved countywide tradition. The Bernard & Betty Egan Foundation has generously supported the event from the very beginning. Together, employees, parishioners, families, and neighbors gather to share soup and community spirit – all while raising critical funds for families in need!
How You Can Help
We invite you to join us on Thursday, November 6 at The Heritage Center in Vero Beach (9 a.m.–7 p.m.) or at one of the many participating churches, nonprofits, and businesses across the county.
- Pottery bowls: $20
- Soup: $5 per bowl / $15 per quart
You can also support by becoming a Soup Bowl sponsor, helping us expand the reach and impact of this event. For full event details, visit our Facebook page: Samaritan Center Soup Bowl.Thank you for helping us serve hope, one bowl at a time.
Renee Bireley
Development Manager of Samaritan Center
