Letter to Editor: Meals on Wheels Diablo Region Post-Fire Reflections

It is hard to believe, but it has been a year since Meals on Wheels Diablo Region was displaced by a fire at our headquarters on Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. We had hoped to be back by now, but we still do not know what the future holds. We are fortunate that BPM, LLC stepped forward and offered us office space to lease during this time of transition.

As we mark the 1-year anniversary of the fire, it’s important to acknowledge the incredible flexibility, inventiveness, and resiliency of our staff and volunteers. For two months last year, they worked from parking lots, coffee shops, coworking spaces, and from home without any notice. The fire occurred on a Saturday night, on Monday morning every client was delivered a meal and did not experience any disruption at all. Our ability to carry on without a suspension in deliveries and services is a testament to our incredible staff and volunteers.

I want to thank our Board who continues to guide us through this process, the community who has been so supportive, our hardworking volunteers, and our generous donors. The fire resulted in many unanticipated costs and without the support of our donors we would not have been able to continue our deliveries and services, while we continue to develop new programs that meet the needs of a rapidly growing senior population.

We are stronger together. The main positive outcome is proving that we all support the mission of ensuring our older neighbors are able to remain nourished, safe, and independent for as long as possible.

Caitlin Sly

Executive Director

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

Website: www.mowdiabloregion.org