Austin woman helps feed hundreds of unhoused people

A woman in Austin said she and other volunteers provide 500 meals to people experiencing homelessness per month.

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AUSTIN (KXAN) --- Every Monday at Oak Hill United Methodist Church, you can find a table filled with a variety of dishes and desserts.

At first glance, you might think it was a special occasion. However, this is just a typical Monday night at the church.

Their family suppers are filled with some people who are currently unhoused and others who are with the church.

The woman organizing this? Vicki Matustik.

As the church's director of connections and service, Matustik coordinates these dinners along with several other volunteer initiatives.

The church created this position specifically for her.

"I have this little rolling cart on Sunday mornings that I hang out with in the lobby of our sanctuary called the connection station," Matustik said. "I have opportunities there for people to see we're going to the food bank next month. We're going to do a program we call the listening room. Do you want to participate? Do you want to volunteer?"

Along with these dinners, Matustik said she and other volunteers provide 500 meals to people experiencing homelessness every month.

'Love on them for the night'

From feeding people to keeping them warm, Matustik said she and others organize warming shelters at the church as well.

Matustik said the church is located in the suburbs of Austin, so they’re able to help fill gaps in areas outside of downtown.

“The city does a great job. There is just an awful lot of people sleeping unsheltered in our community,” Matustik said. “We start with focusing on our neighbors in our area.”

Matustik said they welcome in dozens of people and offer them food, warm clothing and a friendly face.

"Our job is just to love on them for the night," she said.

Helping others help others

Serving others has always been a part of Matustik's life, however, it wasn't until a few years ago that she made it her full-time job with the church.

"I realized that maybe this was something that had been buried inside me that I was meant to do," Matustik said. "So to get a chance to do it full time is such a gift."

Now, she helps others discover their passion for volunteering as well.

"You just have to find that thing," she said. "That group of people or that activity that speaks to your heart, and if it speaks to your heart, it'll change you."

She helped churchgoers like Frank Morgan. Morgan said he told the pastor he wanted to volunteer.

Matustik suggested he use his passion for cooking to feed the unhoused community.

It even inspired Morgan to bring along his 11-year-old granddaughter to volunteer as well.

"I think this has really made a great impression on her, you know, seeing things that most people don't see," Morgan said. "She really wanted to help."

'She's very special'

Throughout her journey, Matustik has touched so many lives.

One that's especially close to her? Elaine Olsen.

Currently, Olsen doesn't have a place to stay. So, Matustik is helping her find housing. Through this process, the two forged a friendship.

"Elaine is funny and brilliant," Matustik said. "Vicki's genuine and very caring," Olsen said.

Olsen said giving to others is not just something Matustik does, but it's who she is.

Finding your spark

When it comes to being "remarkable," Matustik believes it's a quality that's within all of us.

"I think remarkable means you have found your place to shine," Matustik said. "All of us have an opportunity to be remarkable in that way."

She said we shine the most when giving to others. Matustik said the goal isn't to solve every problem in the world.

Instead, she encourages others to help those they can, one by one.

"If everybody found their spark, we could make a big difference," Matustik said.