Texas BBQ Hero Feeds the Homeless Weekly

Kaleb Blain, a 36-year-old Texan, has found a profound sense of purpose by serving barbecue to those experiencing homelessness in Waco every Wednesday. What began as a side project of handing out sack lunches has evolved into a regular operation, fostering deep relationships and insights into the daily needs of the unhoused, such as access to fresh water and electricity.

Blain's "boots-on-the-ground" efforts, initially using a small backyard smoker, now feed around 30 people weekly with cost-effective meals like chili dogs and pulled pork. His work is deeply personal, driven by the loss of his younger brother and a desire to counteract such profound grief by providing for others.

Inspired by the communal roots of Texas barbecue, Blain envisions a brick-and-mortar location. This establishment would offer affordable barbecue to the public while ensuring free meals and fresh water are available daily for those in need. He has also launched a coalition called 86 Hunger and partners with Waco Mutual Aid for supplies.