'Day Of Dignity' event hosted by Barakah Muslim Charities provided food, clothing and school supplies to Rochester's needy
Donated clothes aren't usually available at Barakah Muslim Charities. Alma Omerhodzic changed that last week when she hauled a bag of shirts and pants to the community service organization on the corner of Bartlett Street and Jefferson Avenue.
"A man took a pair of pants and said they were perfect for him," Omerhodzic said. "He told me it had been a long time since he bought anything new. I told him God sent the pants."
Alma Omerhodzic is the Finance Director of Barakah Muslim Charities.
On Saturday, Oct. 22, the organization hosted Rochester's fourth annual "Day of Dignity," a series of events held around the nation to help people who are houseless or live in low-income households.
MoreWhat is 'justice'? Jefferson Avenue residents still left wondering
Islamic Relief USA sponsored the community event featuring food, coats, blankets, school supplies, hygiene kits and haircuts free to the public.
"If people don't have to buy a coat for their child, maybe they can put money toward paying for heat because ― in a month ― we're going to be freezing in Rochester," Omerhodzic said.
Health and resource agencies from the Rochester area set up booths inside Barakah Muslim Charities as a long line of families patiently waited outside for the event to begin.
Rawan Khunaifes and Khadra Albadhi used their Saturday to volunteer at the event. They believe their service is time well spent.
"We want to show this neighborhood that they are not forgotten," Albadhi said. "There are people that care about them."
Barakah hosts several service events throughout the year while running a food pantry Thursdays and Sundays that serves a range of people from refugees, to working families trying to make ends meet.
The work helps to fill gaps in the community, but the most significant issue is one the charity can't solve.
"Housing," Omerhodzic murmured. "It's a huge problem. People are struggling to pay rent and utilities."
Barakah Muslim Charities is hosting a turkey giveaway on Nov 19. Islamic Relief USA will provide 150 turkeys for Thanksgiving.
Alma Omerhodzic issues a call to action for that event and her organization's future endeavors.
"Come get involved in the community. See how people live in this part of this city," she said.
Contact Robert Bell at: rlbell@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter: @byrobbell & Instagram: @byrobbell. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Barakah Muslim Charities hosts 'Day of Dignity' in Rochester NY
