Local nonprofit invites community to Thanksgiving dinner for people facing homelessness

Paul Ballaceros, a McKinney resident and the president and founder of the nonprofit Emanuel Labor, used the council’s public comment period Nov. 4 to invite residents to the organization’s Thanksgiving dinner for people experiencing homelessness or social isolation.

"Our mission in short is removing the lessness from homeless," Ballaceros said, describing the event as an invitation rather than an obligation and saying it offers a place for people who may otherwise be alone on the holiday. He described the meal as providing a space for conversation and community and said the program has occurred multiple prior years.

When a council member asked for time and location details, Ballaceros said doors open at 2 p.m. at First McKinney Baptist Church, the group will show the Dallas Cowboys game at 3:30 p.m., and turkey will be served at 5 p.m. He also said attendees may be offered showers and that the event is aimed at reducing loneliness and connecting people with services.

Ballaceros closed by expressing appreciation to the council and the community. The council did not take any formal action on the comment; it was presented during the non–public hearing public comment period.