A call to feed the poor

Meet Carla St. Romain. Originally from St Lucia, she moved to the United States a few years ago and now lives in Brooklyn, New York with her mother and siblings. I love to cook, inspire people with powerful quotes and give advice when needed,” Carla says adding “encouraging people to reach for more out of life is something I enjoy doing.” “I am a Rastafarian and because of that, I look for the good in everyone. I have many passions, but the most burning one is feeding the homeless,” she tells the STAR.

Eight years ago Carla started cooking for the homeless people on Atlantic Avenue and Bedford. Sometimes she would serve over on hundred meals. “No one asked me to do this, nor do I have any help, as I pay for it out of my own pocket,” she says. “My main concern is preparing the best dishes possible for my people. To do this takes nothing from me because they are like family, and they are indeed, family,” she added.

According to Carla she rises at 4am each morning and start cooking with her reggae music turned up in the background after she has said her prayers. “With a heart filled with joy I cook up a storm. They especially love my fried chicken and coleslaw, macaroni salad and yellow rice,” she says.

However the Rastafarian says she has been criticized for cooking chicken. “But when I gave them fish some of then rejected it and didn’t like it, so I decided to give them what they want. I am only trying to help and make their lives better in whatever way possible and not trying to impose my beliefs on them,” she informed us. Carla also provides water or soda with the food as well.

“My family loves what I do so all of them help out including my mother, sister and my children. I have a family friend who helps with deliveries and he drives to different locations and I really appreciate his assistance,” she explains.

The thing Carla says she loves the most is when people from the neighborhood show her love on the street. “I often stop and communicate with them, share a laugh and keep it moving. People stop and ask me if I am with an organization and I tell them no, I just do it because it is the right thing to do. Sometimes I get offered money but I do not accept it. I believe Jah provides for me, so I can provide for others.” Carla says that in life we have to put our pride aside and do something good for those who are less fortunate, and feeding the homeless is the calling the most high has in store for her.

“I love what I do with a passion. I love to rise in the morning and post inspiring words on Facebook to uplift my bredren and sistren, to give strength and hope and remind them that better is on the way. I cook every Sunday or every other Sunday with Jah by my side, and I will only stop when his will is done,” Carla ended by saying.