For over 2 years, Hakim Coggins has been involved with the Newport emergency Waring Center committee. It all began with a simple desire to address a gap in services within the community. A lack of meal and warming center services available in the area prompted him to delve deeper into the scheduling of warming centers and meals. Through perseverance and determination, access to a building was secured on Saturdays, and a hot, nutritious breakfast was provided to those in need.

I started this program for two main reasons: First, because I genuinely care, and second, because I’ve experienced similar challenges firsthand.