Struggle

The Struggle of Love Foundation: Showing Our Love to Save Our Lives

By Zilingo Nwuke

LaKeshia and Joel Hodge

It’s no surprise after 15 years of serving and supporting Denver communities, LaKeshia and Joel Hodge are providing “Sacks Of Love” through a drive-thru food pantry helping residents in need during this COVID-19 crisis.

Located in the Montbello community, the pantry operates Monday through Friday providing delivery service to Denver’s most vulnerable residents – the elderly and disabled – and anyone else in need.

Since March 14 the Struggle of Love (S.O.L.) founders have been organizing and operating this much needed service while hoping to decrease the spread of the virus. “I’d say we have seen more 20,000 people come through the food pantry,” said Executive Director LaKeshia Hodge.

Determined to make it happen, S.O.L. partnered with Food Bank of the Rockies, Families Forward Resource Center, Academy 360, Denver Rescue Mission, Montbello Organizing Committee and the City and County of Denver. Collectively, they have kept the pantry stocked, and with committed volunteers, maintained a delivery service.

LaKeshiaIt wasn’t easy at first. Lakeisha and husband Joel took on the task of operating and funding this undertaking by themselves – initially buying all the food.

The Hodges created Struggle of Love out of personal experiences with homelessness. They use that experience to help identify and offer services they feel would have been valuable to them during that extremely difficult time.

“Our goal is, and will always be, to give back to the community in areas of struggle,” said Founder Joel Hodge. “And what better way and time than now, to show love as this virus is ravaging through our communities and killing our people?”

As the food pantry started picking up and help was needed, they reached out to their sponsors who assisted in getting it where it is now.

“Things picked up pretty quickly. The need grew really fast, but with the volunteer base and everybody just helping out, it has really been a smooth operation,” said LaKeshia. “I’m really appreciative of all the volunteers. They come every day; we can count on them!”

Out of concern and safety for everyone involved of contracting the virus, extensive safety measures are in place in the 3,000 square foot facility; allowing for adequate social distancing. All volunteers are provided with the proper PPE and the space is disinfected each night.

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