Christmas party feeds 260 homeless Omaha men and women

More than 260 men and women who are homeless shared a hot meal and fellowship Wednesday evening in a festive atmosphere inside the Holy Family Community Center in downtown Omaha.

The center, operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha to minister to the homeless in the area, saw the event’s attendance more than double that of its inaugural Christmas party last year, according to staff.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul partners with the Archdiocese of Omaha to put on the event at the center, 1715 Izard St, which was formerly Holy Family Church.

Archbishop Michael G. McGovern greeted guests. Deacons and their wives served up beef sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, fresh fruit and Christmas cookies as holiday music filled the air. Students from St. Bernard Catholic School in Omaha helped distribute personal care items and hooded sweatshirts.