LYNN — George Markos, owner of Brothers Deli, accepted the Community Giveback Champion Award for his business’s generosity in providing food to those experiencing homelessness.
Markos has prided himself on making basic needs more accessible to the most vulnerable and has become known for always going above and beyond in the commonwealth.
He said that it all comes down to thinking of what best benefits the community when owning a business in Lynn. Sometimes that means providing meals to people who may not have access to food.
This is the first time this award has been presented by the Lynn Continuum of Care organization, which works in partnership with Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND).
Markos, speaking from his own experience, said he did not understand why other people or businesses do not give back to their community.
“Maybe they don’t want to do it,” he said. “There was a day for me, I didn’t have food either.”
Treating all individuals with the same level of respect has always been a goal of Markos, and it stems from a love of community and genuine care to bring people closer together.
“We’re all on the same ground, the same heaven, the same sky,” Markos said, further sharing his mission that all people should be treated equitably, no matter what their living situation is or the struggles they face.
Nonprofit Lynn Continuum of Care (LCoC) has been a vital sub-organization of LHAND since 1995, providing housing opportunities to people experiencing homelessness and other challenges, such as substance addiction. The organization has started many programs to help people of all ages, ranging from youth to senior citizens.
LCoC Board of Directors President Keith Wales shared how instrumental the organization has been in getting people off the streets and into safe housing through their programs.
“These projects reflect Lynn’s strategy to combine affordable housing, supportive services, and community revitalization,” Wales said.
Four city councilors, Mayor Jared C. Nicholson, and more than 15 sponsors attended the LCoC’s annual meeting to enjoy food and each other’s company after making such a difference in the community.
“We have seen a lot of progress this year in particular and in the last few years, and that’s thanks to the work of a lot of folks in this room… and what I think is really exciting and interesting about the way this works, is the way that you can all sort of spring into action when there’s a need and when there’s an opportunity,” Nicholson said.
Reflecting on the recognition, Markos wasn’t expecting an award or any recognition for Brothers Deli because it is second nature for him to give back.
Markos said it’s very important for people to understand that there’s always enough food for everybody at Brothers Deli, located at 41 Market St.
Annually, around 2,150 people experience homelessness in Lynn, according to a U.S. Housing and Urban Development consolidation plan for the City of Lynn. The LCoC and LHAND work to provide resources for as many people struggling as they can, Wales said.
To drive home LCoC’s mission in the community, Wales shared: “Never give up on the hope of recovery. Within each person who may be living unsheltered, who is struggling, there is a human being inside who has been traumatized and has gone through unspeakable events. We are trying to connect back to that person inside and collaborate with them in a way that brings that person back out of addiction, the trauma, and helps them be their true self.”
If you are experiencing homelessness or someone you know is, services can be accessed through the LHAND website, lhand.org.
