By Stacey Mattison

The SALT Kitchen events, powered by compassionate volunteers, have proven to be more than just a meal service. It is a testament to the power of genuine care and the transformative impact of a kind gesture. As volunteers reflect on their experiences, they have witnessed the innate goodness in the hearts of the homeless, the resilience in the face of adversity, and the power of faith to uplift even in the most challenging circumstances. Our volunteers continue to embody the spirit of love, compassion, and hope, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of the homeless and fostering a sense of community that transcends societal barriers. Together, they stand as a shining example of how small acts of kindness can ignite a ripple effect of positive change in the world.

Read on for the reflections of the members of LITE House Taipei who embarked on a meaningful journey with the SALT Kitchen in June 2023. LITE House Taipei is a mandarin speaking church based in Taipei 101, and is a community partner of SALT Collectiv. As active Christians, their participation in this community service project is driven by a deep sense of faith and compassion. In this article, we delve into their heartfelt reasons for joining the SALT Kitchen initiative and why they passionately encourage others to join hands in serving the marginalized. Through their stories, we witness the transformative power of faith in action and the profound impact of reaching out to those in need.

“I witnessed the kindness of the homeless. Before distributing the lunch boxes, I couldn’t help but imagine a scene of the homeless rushing to grab the food. However, it didn’t happen as I had expected. Perhaps it was because there were people on the ground coordinating the distribution. Everyone lined up and when they received the lunch boxes, it was quite common for them to hear “God loves you” from us. As we walked along, shaking our baskets and delivering the lunch boxes, whenever they saw more food in front of them, the homeless would tell us, “No need, I already have a meal.” Even some who didn’t have food in front of them would also say they were full and didn’t need the lunch boxes when we approached them. As a real estate agent and an online shop owner, I often see human greed and conflicts of interest. From this experience, I have learned a lot.” – Kevin.

“I remember one touching incident that day. At the end of distributing the lunch boxes, I saw our teammate Yating interacting with an elderly lady. When Yating learned that her hand was injured, she immediately prayed for her. After hearing the elderly lady describe her experiences of being bullied, Yating led her to make a decision to believe in Jesus and encouraged her, saying, “Jesus will protect you and everything you have.” Finally, I heard the elderly lady say with her own mouth, “I believe Jesus will protect me! I believe in Him!” Harvesting a soul that doesn’t know Him is the greatest reward.” – Jamson

“Every soul longs to be saved. The first time I made and distributed the lunch boxes, I felt an extra sweetness in putting all my efforts into it. When I handed the lunch boxes to the homeless, I would smile and say, “God bless you!” Some of the homeless responded to me with the same blessing, saying, “God bless you too!” In my heart, I felt a sense of emotion because I didn’t know their life stories. But in the end, one grandma who was half lying on the ground waved goodbye to me. I gathered the courage to ask her, “Can I pray for you?” She agreed, and after listening to her story, we began to pray for her. After we finished, the grandma said she believed God would protect her, and she said it with a smile. I believe hope is already in her heart, and God will lead such a life back to His sanctuary. I also thank God for using us as a channel for the Gospel. All glory belongs to the Lord Jesus.” – Yating

As we conclude these reflections, we extend a warm invitation to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, to join us in the cause of serving others through the various ministries of SALT Collectiv. While faith is at the heart of our mission, we embrace and welcome individuals from all walks of life to contribute their time, energy, and love to making a positive difference in the community. Together, let’s embody the spirit of compassion and solidarity as we come together to uplift and support those who need it most. Join us today and be part of a movement that is spreading hope and love.

—

1.) Where can I volunteer in Taiwan?

SALT Collectiv is a nonprofit headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan that hosts volunteer opportunities to serve the marginalized. Volunteer opportunities include serving the homeless through our SALT soup kitchen, orphanage visitations, elderly care, biannual beach cleanups, and our annual Christmas Giving Tree that gives over 1,000 gifts each year to the marginalized all over Taiwan. We also have fundraiser events such as trivia nights, bake sales, F45 workouts, carwashes, and many more. Our FUNdraiser events bring the fun into building our community. Come checkout our community and join the movement.  

2.) Can foreigners volunteer in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv is a diverse international community of volunteers uniting for the purpose of making a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized. There are no prerequisites required to sign up for events and we welcome expats and locals alike to join our community. We ask only that you come with a heart to serve. When individuals come together, dedicating their time and talent to serve the marginalized, lives are touched and communities are transformed. In volunteering, you engage in causes bigger than yourself, cultivate meaningful relationships and positively impact your community.

3.) Is it possible to volunteer with children in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv welcomes and encourages children of all ages to participate in our volunteer events. However, parents will be solely responsible for the actions, behavior, and whereabouts of their children.

By Stacey Mattison

Welcome to the tales from the SALT Kitchen, where volunteers gather to lend a hand in preparing, packing, and delivering bento boxes to Taipei’s homeless community at the bustling Taipei Main Station. In May 2023, a group of students from the Taipei European School (TES) embarked on a unique journey of compassion and discovery as they stepped into the realm of volunteerism. These students, with little prior exposure to Taiwan’s homeless population, dove headfirst into the experience, igniting a spark of empathy and understanding within themselves. As they rolled up their sleeves and embraced the spirit of service, their perspectives shifted, and their hearts opened wide to the struggles of those they encountered. Join us as we delve into the reflections shared by these young volunteers, offering glimpses into the profound impact of their first-time experience at the SALT Kitchen.

Alessandro:

“I recently had the opportunity to participate in a trip organized by my school to work with the SALT Collectiv, an organization that provides support to homeless individuals. Our task for the day was to prepare bento boxes for those in need. The experience was eye-opening and humbling. Before the trip, I had not realized the big community of homelessness in our city. Working alongside them gave me a better understanding of the struggles faced by homeless individuals and the importance of community support. As we prepared the bento boxes, we worked as a team and learned new skills. It was satisfying to see the finished product, knowing that it would provide a meal to someone who might otherwise have gone hungry. Throughout the experience, I was struck by how a small act of kindness can have a big impact. Reflecting on the experience, I realized that this trip was not just about helping others but also about personal growth. It gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and work with people from different backgrounds. I learned to communicate effectively and work in a team. I also developed a greater sense of empathy and compassion towards those less fortunate than myself. Overall, this trip was a valuable experience that allowed me to engage with the community and make a positive impact. It taught me the importance of serving others and the benefits of stepping outside of my comfort zone. I look forward to participating in more activities that will allow me to continue to grow as a person and make a difference in the lives of others.”

Eugene:

“I have often gone with family on holidays, purposely ignoring the pleas of the homeless for money – much like normal people going about their daily lives. These people don’t matter to the majority because mainly, they have been told to not care and alienate them. Now that I care, I cannot simply just go back to ignoring them and this is how SALT changed me. We see the people who essentially gave up on themselves and are accepting the lunches just because of necessity but we also see the homeless who are still trying to build a living that makes this experience really worthwhile. In fact, writing this and calling them homeless sort of brings me some guilt as I now know that they are so much more than that. They are individuals who have been disregarded by society and their identities erased under the umbrella term of homeless. I know that I’ve learnt a lot from this experience, including how these nonprofit charities work from the inside after talking with the founder. A lot of this relies on the goodwill of people and to a certain extent, breaking the normal social boundaries and stigmatism associated with marginalized groups. One thing I found most fascinating was that despite being painted as dangerous and unsanitary by the rest of society there are still some people who are trying to get themselves out of a tough spot.”

Chang-Ling:

“We worked with SALT Collectiv to prepare lunch for homeless people around Taipei Main Station. We helped prepare about 100 meals for the SALT Kitchen. I helped wash the oranges and the bananas, I carefully packed the bento boxes with a delicious and balanced meal. First, I added 160-170 grams of fluffy white rice to the bento box. Next, I added 80 grams of tender chicken into each bento box. With meticulous precision, I arranged the chicken pieces neatly over the bed of rice, creating a desirable display of flavors and textures. Moving on, the next person added some marinated cucumbers, half a boiled egg, some scallion pieces, and some sauce to go with the rice. The bento boxes are now complete and ready to be delivered. Accompanied by a small group of dedicated volunteers, we set out on foot, armed with our bento boxes and eager to make a difference. As we walked through the bustling streets, we encountered various homeless individuals, each with their own stories and struggles. We approached them with empathy and respect, offering them a bento box.  Each box contained a nutritious meal of rice, vegetables, protein, and a heartfelt note to uplift the recipients. Although not everyone wanted a bento box, we still asked to see whether they wanted it or not just in case. When they received the bento boxes, their smiles were so genuine and it was beaming with joy, they were so grateful to have received these wonderful bento boxes. We came across the same people a couple of times and asked them if they wanted more, and they said no because they already got it. Although they are often struggling to find food for themselves, they still know that there are other people in need and decided to be honest and care for others. It was a really heartwarming experience for me.  

Among the many interactions, one encounter stands out in my memory. I approached an elderly man sitting on a bench, weathered by the hardships of life. As I handed him a bento box, he looked up at me with eyes that held a mix of weariness and hope. By acknowledging the homeless individuals and treating them with dignity, we instilled a sense of hope and reminded them that they were not forgotten. Handing out bento boxes to homeless individuals was an experience that left an indelible mark on my heart. It taught me the power of empathy, compassion, and human connection. It made me realize that small gestures of kindness, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can bring immense joy and make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.”

As we draw the curtain on these reflections, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the power of serving others transcends boundaries and transforms lives. We extend a heartfelt invitation to all schools to join hands with SALT Collectiv in fostering a culture of compassion and empathy among our youth. Let us unite in providing opportunities for students to step out of their comfort zones, engage with their communities, and discover the profound joy of making a difference in the lives of others. To parents, we extend a warm invitation to bring your children, young or old, along on this journey of service. For in serving the less fortunate, we not only bless our community but also find ourselves changed for the better. Join us in the noble pursuit of building a brighter, more compassionate world—one act of service at a time.

—

1.) How can I help the homeless in Taiwan?

SALT Collectiv hosts monthly volunteer opportunities to serve the homeless in Taipei, Taiwan through our SALT Soup Kitchens. By partnering with local restaurants, our volunteers help prepare, pack and deliver at least 150 warm bento boxes to the homeless community at Taipei Main Station. Volunteering with SALT Collectiv not only makes a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized, but also makes a lasting imprint in your heart. Be sure to stay updated on volunteer opportunities by following us on Instagram and Facebook, or checking our website.

2.) Can foreigners volunteer in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv is a diverse international community of volunteers uniting for the purpose of making a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized. There are no prerequisites required to sign up for events and we welcome expats and locals alike to join our community. We ask only that you come with a heart to serve. When individuals come together, dedicating their time and talent to serve the marginalized, lives are touched and communities are transformed. In volunteering, you engage in causes bigger than yourself, cultivate meaningful relationships and positively impact your community.

3.) Is it possible to volunteer with children in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv welcomes and encourages children of all ages to participate in our volunteer events. However, parents or sponsors will be solely responsible for the actions, behavior, and whereabouts of the children in their care.

BY PAUL FENG

Every first and third Saturday of the month is the happiest time for me.

On this day, we arrive early at a Mexican restaurant in collaboration with SALT Collectiv. We work together, washing vegetables, cutting them, cooking, and packing them carefully to make lunch boxes. Around noon, we take 150 lunch boxes, along with our love, and travel by car to Taipei Main Station or Longshan Temple to deliver the lunch boxes to the hands of the homeless.

Most of the volunteers are young people in their twenties and thirties. They come to the SALT Kitchen, either recommended by friends or finding opportunities to serve others and seek meaning in life. Among the coworkers, I am probably the oldest. The coworkers call me Papa Feng. Among these young people, there are locals from Taiwan, as well as those who have come to Taiwan to study or work from various parts of the world. Some come from Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, while others come from island nations in Central and South America. There are also those who come from South Africa, the United States, and Canada. It’s like a mini United Nations.

SALT Collectiv originated three years ago from a short-term mission trip to Hungary attended by several volunteers. At that time, they participated in many ministries to care for impoverished families in the local community. When they returned, one of the brothers who went along raised the question: “Just like Hungary, Taiwan also has many vulnerable people in need of help. Can’t we care for the needy around us, even if it doesn’t mean traveling far abroad?” And that’s how SALT Collectiv was born!

The lunch boxes from SALT Kitchen are all homemade, made with fresh ingredients, balanced and nutritious, and the flavors are often changed. If last week’s lunch boxes had spare ribs, braised tofu, blanched greens, and rice, this week it could be spaghetti, minced pork, cabbage, and braised eggs. Drizzled with sauce and sprinkled with a few scallions, they are delicious in taste, aroma, and appearance. I often hear my coworkers say, “I feel hungry!” Indeed, delicious dishes are very tempting.

Our work begins with prayer, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, and incorporating God’s love into the lunch boxes. Each lunch box has a handwritten greeting from us: “Jesus loves you! We love you too!” Some coworkers don’t know Chinese, so they use Google Translate to find Chinese greetings and then replicate them stroke by stroke, writing down beautiful blessings. Below, they also draw a smiley face or a pair of strong arms with the words “Tomorrow will be better! Keep going!”

Delivering the lunch boxes is the climax of the Saturday activities.

When we take taxis in batches and arrive at Taipei Main Station, we often see the homeless eagerly waiting. We hand them the lunch boxes, bow to each other, and tell them, “Jesus loves you!” Sometimes, the homeless tell us, “I am also a Christian. I used to go to church. Although I don’t go to church anymore, God is always in my heart.”

Although the homeless lack material resources, some of them possess the virtue of helping others and finding joy in it. Every time we deliver the lunch boxes, we encounter enthusiastic homeless individuals who act as our guides, taking us to remote corners and delivering the lunch boxes to those who have difficulty moving.

On a hot night, I went to the train station to visit the homeless. In Dongdaemun, I met a familiar female homeless person. She was taking care of an elderly homeless person, allowing him to rest near the automatic sliding door. When she saw me, she proudly said, “I let him sleep here. When the automatic door opens, it brings in cool air.” There was a sense of accomplishment on her face, which deeply moved me.

The lunch boxes are very popular and are quickly distributed. It is also time for us coworkers to take a group photo and bid farewell. We strike a pose in front of the camera, and together we shout, “Stay Salty!”

The Bible says that we Christians are the salt of the earth, adding flavor to other people’s lives.

At SALT Kitchen, our lives grow together, and our souls are uplifted together. We also hope to bring God’s blessings to the people around us.

—

1. How can I help the homeless in Taiwan?

SALT Collectiv hosts monthly volunteer opportunities to serve the homeless in Taipei, Taiwan through our SALT Soup Kitchens. By partnering with local restaurants, our volunteers help prepare, pack and deliver at least 150 warm bento boxes to the homeless community at Taipei Main Station. Volunteering with SALT Collectiv not only makes a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized, but also makes a lasting imprint in your heart. Be sure to stay updated on volunteer opportunities by following us on Instagram and Facebook, or checking our website.

1. Where can I volunteer in Taiwan?

SALT Collectiv is a nonprofit headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan that hosts volunteer opportunities to serve the marginalized. Volunteer opportunities include serving the homeless through our SALT soup kitchen, orphanage visitations, elderly care, biannual beach cleanups, and our annual Christmas Giving Tree that gives over 1,000 gifts each year to the marginalized all over Taiwan. We also have fundraiser events such as trivia nights, bake sales, F45 workouts, carwashes, and many more. Our FUNdraiser events bring the fun into building our community. Come checkout our community and join the movement.  

1. Can foreigners volunteer in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv is a diverse international community of volunteers uniting for the purpose of making a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized. There are no prerequisites required to sign up for events and we welcome expats and locals alike to join our community. We ask only that you come with a heart to serve. When individuals come together, dedicating their time and talent to serve the marginalized, lives are touched and communities are transformed. In volunteering, you engage in causes bigger than yourself, cultivate meaningful relationships and positively impact your community.

As an expat living in Taiwan for nine years now, I can attest to how easy it can be to get comfortable in one’s own  “bubble” without giving much thought to the social issues and challenges that the country faces. When I first moved here I was quite surprised to learn that homelessness was a problem in Taiwan, particularly in Taipei. 

Personally, I would always feel conflicted about how to actually help whenever I would pass by a homeless person in Taipei who was clearly in need. Although those times were few and far between, it remained an unresolved question in my mind. Admittedly, I used to be afraid of homeless people and have a lot of assumptions as to how they ended up on the streets. Over time, homelessness became more of a distant “issue” than about real people in need. 

When I first began volunteering at the soup kitchen in 2020, I was overwhelmed upon seeing the need and felt deep compassion for the young and old waiting in line for their meals. It’s easier to overlook homelessness when it’s just a statistic on a page. When I looked into the eyes of the people I was serving meals to, exchanging smiles and greetings, homelessness was no longer just a statistic to me but the face of the one standing right in front of me. As a Christian, I recalled the words of Jesus inviting me to love “the least of these,” each one with a name and each one worthy of love. 

I saw the genuine love from the staff and SALT Collectiv team, and witnessed the meaningful relationships they had cultivated with the homeless over the years. In hearing personal stories,  I learned that the majority of homeless people were on the streets due to circumstances out of their control: long-term unemployment, disrupted family life, mental illness and physical disabilities. Other factors include unwillingness to stay at home and/or work, wanting to be self-reliant, loss of savings and property, and personal decision to be homeless. Regardless of the reasons for homelessness, I was compelled to keep volunteering to not only step out of my comfort zone to love unreservedly (and non-judgmentally) but also to understand how to actually make a difference— a lasting imprint. 

Now that we’re five months into SALT Kitchen, we’re able to cook and pack our own made-with-love bentos. Every delivery to Taipei Main Station is another opportunity for connection and personal interactions with a homeless friend. These exchanges are mutually life-giving, and remind me of SALT Collectiv’s mission to spread the value of giving to culture and society. While we want to fulfill basic needs like a home-cooked meal, we hope these meaningful connections also help to make a true, lasting imprint in the lives of the marginalized. 

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1. How can I help the homeless in Taiwan?
SALT Collectiv hosts monthly volunteer opportunities to serve the homeless in Taipei, Taiwan through our SALT Soup Kitchens. By partnering with local restaurants, our volunteers help prepare, pack and deliver at least 150 warm bento boxes to the homeless community at Taipei Main Station. Volunteering with SALT Collectiv not only makes a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized, but also makes a lasting imprint in your heart. Be sure to stay updated on volunteer opportunities by following us on Instagram and Facebook, or checking our website.

2. Where can I volunteer in Taiwan?
SALT Collectiv is a nonprofit headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan that hosts volunteer opportunities to serve the marginalized. Volunteer opportunities include serving the homeless through our SALT soup kitchen, orphanage visitations, elderly care, biannual beach cleanups, and our annual Christmas Giving Tree that gives over 1,000 gifts each year to the marginalized all over Taiwan. We also have fundraiser events such as trivia nights, bake sales, F45 workouts, carwashes, and many more. Our FUNdraiser events bring the fun into building our community. Come checkout our community and join the movement.  

3. Can foreigners volunteer in Taiwan?
Yes! SALT Collectiv is a diverse international community of volunteers uniting for the purpose of making a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized. There are no prerequisites required to sign up for events and we welcome expats and locals alike to join our community. We ask only that you come with a heart to serve. When individuals come together, dedicating their time and talent to serve the marginalized, lives are touched and communities are transformed. In volunteering, you engage in causes bigger than yourself, cultivate meaningful relationships and positively impact your community.

It all started with one word — service.

On New Year’s Eve 2020, after praying and meditating on what the theme for the coming year would be, that word was placed on my heart and spirit. At the time, I was studying and working in Taiwan on and off for seven years. But it was only in the last year and a half that I noticed something was missing in how I engaged with Taiwan and Taiwanese society. I felt a distinct call to do more. Service, therefore, not only prompted me to step out of my comfort zone but to be more in tune with where I was and what was happening around me. It especially meant being more aware of the unfortunate realities of many in Taiwan that are often overlooked. But where would I even begin? Who would I contact?

It was then that I remembered a conversation with a friend of an acquaintance who mentioned the SALT Collectiv. She spoke of her time volunteering and told me where I could reach the team. I wasted no time in contacting them. All it took was a message sent to their Instagram to get connected. Little did I know that my involvement with SALT would set the trajectory for the next 12 months and give me the chance to meet people from around the world with hearts equally ready to serve those less fortunate.

I very quickly realized that the SALT Collectiv is the bridge that connects those in the foreign/ex-pat community in Taiwan who wish to volunteer in initiatives that cater to the specific needs of marginalized communities. Among the several activities and projects that it organizes, the SALT Soup Kitchens have stood out the most to me. It is where one can see the immediate impact of what a hot meal can do for someone who may only be able to eat once a day. Most of the marginalized that the soup kitchens cater to are the homeless aunties and uncles in Taipei, specifically those who are known to gather near Taipei Main Station.

On the first Saturday of every month, volunteers like myself meet up at the SALT Kitchen to pack bento boxes with food prepared by partnered restaurants like Allegro樂格輕食, Kitchen 2 Go, and Safranbolu Turkish restaurant. The packing process is the most enjoyable as this is where the SALT Collectiv community is built. New friends are made, and fun conversations are had while stationed along an assembly line packing main and side dishes into 150 lunchboxes. After the boxes have been packed and transported to Taipei Main Station, this is where it gets interesting. From the moment you hand out your first lunchbox to when there is none left, quite a few emotions are felt–the strongest of which is humility. To see so many people of different races, nationalities, and creeds come together for this purpose can send a message to the aunties and uncles that they are not alone; that despite the cultural, ethnic, and language barriers that exist, there are people who see them and who wish to help in whatever way they can. The gratitude that was shown to us in their words and in their smiles confirmed that they knew. It also has propelled the SALT Collectiv team and the SALT Collectiv Community (myself included) to do more. And we will do more.

Although my word for this year has changed, the call to serve continues. And it is through initiatives like the SALT Soup Kitchen that I can personally come full circle and give back to a country that has been so good to me for nearly a decade.

—

1.) How can I help the homeless in Taiwan?

SALT Collectiv hosts monthly volunteer opportunities to serve the homeless in Taipei, Taiwan through our SALT Soup Kitchens. By partnering with local restaurants, our volunteers help prepare, pack and deliver at least 150 warm bento boxes to the homeless community at Taipei Main Station. Volunteering with SALT Collectiv not only makes a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized, but also makes a lasting imprint in your heart. Be sure to stay updated on volunteer opportunities by following us on Instagram and Facebook, or checking our website.

2.) Where can I volunteer in Taiwan?

SALT Collectiv is a nonprofit headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan that hosts volunteer opportunities to serve the marginalized. Volunteer opportunities include serving the homeless through our SALT soup kitchen, orphanage visitations, elderly care, biannual beach cleanups, and our annual Christmas Giving Tree that gives over 1,000 gifts each year to the marginalized all over Taiwan. We also have fundraiser events such as trivia nights, bake sales, F45 workouts, carwashes, and many more. Our FUNdraiser events bring the fun into building our community. Come checkout our community and join the movement.  

3.) Can foreigners volunteer in Taiwan?

Yes! SALT Collectiv is a diverse international community of volunteers uniting for the purpose of making a lasting imprint for the vulnerable and marginalized. There are no prerequisites required to sign up for events and we welcome expats and locals alike to join our community. We ask only that you come with a heart to serve. When individuals come together, dedicating their time and talent to serve the marginalized, lives are touched and communities are transformed. In volunteering, you engage in causes bigger than yourself, cultivate meaningful relationships and positively impact your community.