Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch invites the local community to their annual Bread ‘N Bowls event March 30. The fundraising effort includes a meal and offers a raffle to win a new car.

The event raises funds for the nonprofit which provides meals and services to people who are homeless or struggling.
Bread ‘N Bowls will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church at 701 Westmont Drive in Fayetteville.

What is FAOIAM?

In 1995, several churches in the city came together to serve the community for Blitz Days. Blitz Days happened two times a year to help folks re-roof houses, build wheelchair ramps all over the city and more.

Blitz Days still occur, but after years of doing it, churches wanted this on a regular basis — not just a few times a year. This is the part of FAOIAM which is for men, women and children.

In 2006, more than 60 churches, civic groups and businesses in the area started serving breakfast to the homeless Mondays through Fridays. These organizations formed the Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch. In 2022 they served their 300,000th breakfast.

After forming, they noticed the growing need to serve the homeless and hungry. The organization purchased land and housing to provide housing for the homeless. They started offering case management services as well.

The Able-Life Program

This is a program within FAO IAM where homeless men who may have dealt with job loss, health issues, divorce, mental illness, substance abuse or a felony record get resources to transform their lives.

In 2017, the 40-bed Lodge became available. The Lodge is integral to the Able-Life Program.

According to Craig Morrison, executive director of the organization, the Lodge is a safe space for homeless men to get training and treatment to get back on their feet. It’s housing that’s available for more than 90 days.

That is a rarity when it comes to emergency housing.

“Folks don’t get into difficult situations overnight,” Morrison said. “It’s really hard to get out of a situation overnight. Emergency shelters typically do 90 days. How do you climb out? A year in the Lodge gets folks connected to resources usually in that year.”

He added that the Lodge is the space for the men to get stability, coping skills, life skills, certifications, get a job and save their own money for their own transportation. That’s year one.

From there they may transition to one of the homes on Frink Street that the organization owns. They can stay there for two years for a total of three years of housing. Residency requirements include employment, sobriety and upholding a code of conduct.

The Main Event

FAOIAM has two fundraisers each year and the Bread ‘N Bowls event on March 30 is their main fundraiser.

“We love serving folks. We want to give the opportunity to meet the community,” Morrison said.
At Bread ‘N Bowls, people get a bread bowl meal with a choice of chili or cheesy potato soup with a brownie and a drink for $15. For $25, you can get a ceramic, hand-painted bowl with your meal.

There will be a drive-through option for food. Free delivery is available for individuals (or companies) who place an order for 10 or more bowls.
Morrison said the bowls are painted by people who come to the free breakfast meals offered at FAOIAM.

The Brand New Car

During Bread ‘N Bowls, Valley Auto World is teaming up with FAOIAM on a raffle for a brand new car. Valley Auto World is known for their inventory of Volkswagens and BMWs.

The raffle is part of the fundraising effort for the nonprofit. A single entry ticket is $125. Individuals can buy as many tickets as they want; however, only 1,500 tickets will be sold in total.

The winner picks a car with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of up to $50,000. If it is over that cost, the winner pays the difference. For example, if the car is $25,000 they receive the car for free. If they choose a car that is $51,000, the winner has to pay $1,000 for the car.

The winner is responsible for all taxes, delivery costs, dealer fees, and any options he or she may choose above the vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price greater than $50,000.

View the website for the official raffle rules at www.faoiam.org/car-raffle-2023/ and to purchase your ticket.
For more information about Bread ‘N Bowls, services available at Operation Inasmuch or to volunteer, visit https://www.faoiam.org/.

Operation Inasmuch is a Christian nonprofit organization. Since 2007, they have served homeless and struggling people a hot, nourishing breakfast each week-day morning. After breakfast, they provide a variety of human, health and educational services tailored to the needs of the homeless community. (Photos courtesy Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch)