175 of Milwaukee's homeless served warm, home cooked Christmas meals at Repairers of the Breach

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- As many of us prepared for our Christmas feast on Thursday, December 25th, some were left wondering whether they'd be able to eat. For some, a warm meal and a smile means much more than presents under a tree.

Homeless men and women joined together on Christmas Day for the Repairers of the Breach Christmas feast.

"Every day it's a struggle for them, but it's good to have one day that everybody is on the upbeat note and everybody is happy about what today represents," Pastor James West with Repairers of the Breach said.

On a day that's traditionally spent with family, these 175 people were doing just that.

"There's a lot of harmony in here today. Usually there's some bickering, but it's much love here today and I guess because Jesus was born today," Mars Virgil said.

Virgil made poor choices several years ago and lost everything. He comes to Repairers of the Breach looking for strength.

"This is like my home. This is like my family," Virgil said.

Virgil and others shared fellowship and a warm Christmas meal.

"I ain't eat at home in awhile but this like home cooked. Today's like home cooked meals," Virgil said.

The Salvation Army prepared the food for this gathering. Dozens of volunteers young and old helped to serve the meal.

"Because it's Christmas and we want other people to feel good on Christmas," volunteer Pat Nelson said.

This was Nelson's first time volunteering on Christmas.

"Usually I have been traveling on Christmas so I'm home this year and so I thought this would be a perfect way to spend it," Nelson said.

This year's crowd was so big, they had to open up stairs in the building to make room for everyone who wanted to take part in the meal.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Repairers of the Breach.