Instead of opening for business and cashing in on food delivery, a restaurant in Kamias, Quezon City, has offered free accommodation and food to the homeless affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine being enforced by the government due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In its Facebook post, Popburri said “in the midst of the Covid-19 we have transformed our store into a homeless shelter. Thank you for your patience as we will no longer be selling food.”
Popburri says the shelter will be open daily from 6pm to 6am until April 12. Dinner will be served at 6:30pm.
The restaurant is also accepting donations of food, old mattresses, pillows and bed sheets, but has asked those coming in to bring their own masks as protection against COVID-19.
“We may be small, but we serve a BIG God…let’s be instruments for Him together!” Popburri said.
Its post has been deluged with kinds words and comments from netizens, with more than 10,000 reactions and 6,200 shares. There were also those who pledged to offer cash and other kinds of help.
“Inspiring, encouraging, empowering. Thank YOU for what you do. We need more of YOU and these kinds of initiatives nowadays,” said Angle Cruz Zeta.
This was not the first time that the restaurant has offered its place for shelter.
When Typhoon “Tisoy” was raging in December last year, Popburri also offered shelter and free meals to those who were stranded due to the lack of public transportation.