Whether blessed with good fortune or rewarded for the fortitude of hard work, it’s difficult not to look around El Dorado Hills and feel thankful for what we have. This community, along with the entirety of the County, is an idyllic landscape that we are privileged to call home. Beyond its physical beauty, El Dorado County is a community built on the values of connection, generosity, and resilience. It’s a place where neighbors know each other by name, where local events bring people together, and where the spirit of giving is alive and well.
We often hear about housing challenges and related issues in larger cities. It's easy to get caught up in debates about the causes and effects of poverty and homelessness, but this can overshadow the real people behind these struggles, and, for many, it’s hard to imagine having to worry about where the next meal will come from. Yet for some in our own community, food insecurity is a daily reality.
Nestled in the heart of Placerville, the Upper Room Dining Hall stands as a testament to the power of compassion and community spirit. Since its inception in 2002, this non-profit organization has been a lifeline for those facing homelessness and unstable food access. Operating 365 days a year, the Upper Room's unwavering dedication to serving families, veterans, the elderly, low-income individuals, and the unhoused speaks volumes about the character of the over 600 volunteers who contribute their time and effort.
Serving over 80,000 meals last year alone, they have become a haven for those in need of assistance. Local food banks help keep the kitchens stocked with essentials, but it is surprising to learn how many businesses in town donate high-quality food to keep their guests fed. Restaurants, catered events or corporate functions that have surplus food often bring these meals to the team, adding a touch of variety to what is offered. The Apple Hill Growers consistently provide fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies delivered straight from their farms.
The Upper Room Dining Hall is more than just a "soup kitchen." The staff and regular volunteers prepare a restaurant-style dinner each day served at 4:00 p.m., taking guests' orders and serving meals on real plates with silverware and glassware to provide a dignified dining experience. They also prepare bagged lunches, ensuring guests have food between visits. Additionally, they provide three meals daily to the El Dorado County Navigation Center, a 60-bed shelter offering a safe space for adults experiencing housing instability, along with case management and housing assistance.
There are no questions about income or personal circumstances, and no judgment or restrictions on who is welcome at the Upper Room. “This is simply a safe space for anyone seeking kinship and a hot meal in an unbiased environment. Everyone is invited to eat until they’re satisfied, even if that means second, third, or even fourth servings!” shares Operations Director Karen Stinson.
Beyond just providing meals, the Upper Room takes a holistic approach to care, addressing the diverse needs of those they serve. As a day shelter, particularly during inclement weather, they offer bus passes, laundry services, personal care items, clothing, tents and sleeping bags, haircuts and even warm showers every Tuesday. All of this helps enhance the quality of life for their guests.
Navigating the complex network of county and state services can be overwhelming to those without regular access to phones or internet and the Upper Room is there to help individuals through the process. They also offer assistance and referrals for transitional housing, rehabilitation and recovery programs, and other essential services, guiding individuals toward stability. Additionally, they provide legal aid or simply act as a mailing address for those without one.
Nurses from Marshall Medical visit weekly, providing wound care and medical referrals. Even pets are taken care of with food and veterinary services. Bible study, social activities, and opportunities to build friendships help to create a community of support that may be missing for many. Vice Chair Carla Milhomme emphasizes, “The Upper Room builds a community—a community of souls who might otherwise be forgotten.”
The deep compassion for this community, and the profound gratitude it inspires, are evident in every interaction between staff and regular guests. Volunteer Marty Aalberg is greeted with warm smiles and heartfelt hugs, a testament to the close-knit, almost familial bonds that have blossomed. The mutual love and appreciation between volunteers and guests create an atmosphere of genuine connection, where both sides feel valued and cared for.
Volunteers often become emotional when sharing stories, like that of a couple who first met at the Upper Room, leaned on each other through their hardships, and later celebrated their wedding in the very place their journey began, surrounded by the same supportive community that had been with them all along. Equally moving is the story of guests recently organizing a memorial service for a friend who passed away, demonstrating the strong bonds of solidarity and connection within this community.
The impact of the Upper Room is perhaps best illustrated by those who have experienced its services firsthand. Keith, a guest, eloquently describes how the organization has affected his life, shedding light on the harsh realities of homelessness and the transformative power of community support. Keith shares how it provides not only physical nourishment but emotional and social support. "Without the hub of camaraderie and human connection that is the Upper Room, one might give up, accepting the notion that the world is done with you." His words highlight the importance of fostering hope and a sense of belonging for those who might otherwise feel abandoned.
While the Upper Room's achievements are commendable, the need for continued support remains critical. With heartfelt sincerity, Carla Milhomme explains, "Our operation depends on the generosity of individuals and businesses in our community. The Upper Room's success is built on this support, but there is always room for more hands, hearts, and resources to help meet the growing needs of those we serve."
The charity recently announced their hopeful launch of a 26-foot food truck that will bring meals to the community starting in 2025. This idea was born in the Walmart parking lot during the Caldor Fire in 2021. As the number of evacuees grew, makeshift shelters formed across the county, and the Upper Room provided food, water, and supplies to displaced neighbors for 18 days, working from an RV and a horse trailer. The new truck will provide consistent meal pick-up points for those unable to travel, serve dinner in low-income areas, and be ready if disaster strikes our community again.
Inspired by the Upper Room's guiding principle—' With open hearts and extended hands, we are continually enriched by the invaluable relationships we build and the unwavering support of a generous community'—we can join forces to ensure the Upper Room Dining Hall remains a beacon of hope for those in need, fostering a community of care and generosity to help all of our neighbors thrive.
There are many ways to get involved—whether as an individual, family, or organization. From preparing meals to serving guests, every helping hand is valued. If time is limited, you can still contribute by making a donation. To learn more about how you can support this incredible organization, visit upperroomdininghall.org or call (530) 497-5146.
3rd Pull Quote:
"Our operation depends on the generosity of individuals and businesses in our community."
"The Upper Room stands as a testament to the power of compassion and community spirit."
“This is simply a safe space for anyone seeking kinship and a hot meal."