Varick, NAACP Feed, Protect Dixwell

Reverend Morton and Virginia Percy and the NAACP teamed up to prepare a ​“family” dinner for 20 people — with a side of protective masks.

The Percys’ broader family, and their spiritual home, is Varick Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church on Dixwell Avenue, where the couple and their children operate a soup kitchen with to-go meals during the Covid-19 pandemic each Monday. They also operate a food pantry on the side of the church every first Saturday of the month with the help of other volunteers.

At Monday evening’s meal, the Greater New Haven National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) joined the Percys to distribute 130 masks to help keep people safe during the Covid-19 epidemic.

The Percy family prepared a hot to-go plate of stuffed pork roast, couscous, vegetables, and bread for clients. A buffet style table offered a variety of produce, breads, meats, and sweets donated from Trader Joe’s, ShopRite, and the Connecticut Food Bank.

Every ​“shopper” was allowed to bring their own bag or box to package two fruits, two vegetables, two breads, one meat, and one sweet.

Virginia Percy has been volunteering for the church for 30 years. She said that it’s been a long journey for her family and coworkers; they hold the mission close to their hearts. New Haven residents have recognized the dedication of the volunteers and took the added vulnerability of the community into their own hands by contributing masks and food items.

“We’re grateful to the NAACP for giving us masks, because now we have extra masks to give to those who need one,” said Virginia. ​“Many people are hungry and we are here to serve. When we don’t have anything donated, we will go out of our own pockets to buy what is necessary.”

Morton serves as the ​“visitation minister of the church. I am responsible for all sick and shut in people that are not able to come to church during our regular services. I was the one that goes around the hospitals or homes and ministered communion to them. I’ve been doing that for God knows how long.”

Virigina Percy and her husband are in their 60s and 70s. The couple both retired 17 years ago from their day jobs. Morton decided he will retire from church work this upcoming June; Virginia has planned to become trained and certified elsewhere. Their sons, Todd and Earl Percy, will still assist in picking up the donations at 10 a.m. while the oldest child, Natalie Oliver, helps to organize the handouts.

Strips of black and yellow construction paper are taped six feet apart around the walkway of the table to mark a spot for ​“shoppers.” Only two people are allowed in at a time while the rest of the line stands outside awaiting to be called in.

“Before coronavirus, people could come and sit as long as they want to have their meal,” said Virginia. ​“Since then, it’s been safety first. Everyone who comes inside gets their hands sanitized, we give them gloves to put on, and we will give them a mask if they don’t have one.”

Todd said that the response of people helping out has been off of the charts. Volunteers have even gone the extra mile to drop off food to people who are unable to leave their homes due to physical factors, age, or fear.

The NAACP’s Dori Dumas and Teretha Brooks have been organizing mask drop-offs throughout the community.

Dumas, who was born and raised in New Haven, has served as branch president for 14 years. She has observed from numbers that areas like The Hill and Fair Haven have been hurting the most throughout coronavirus.

“We also saw a couple of hot spots even in this neighborhood,” said Dumas. ​“We’ve got to take excuses off of the table. Black and brown people are disproportionately affected by this. We’re dying more, we’re in the hospitals more, and we have to stand up.”

Dumas pointed out that with the first phase of the economy reopening, more people are going to be putting themselves at risk.

“Hopefully, they’ll listen and try to stay home but if they don’t then we want to make sure they’re protected,” said Dumas. ​“Each N‑95 mask costs $3.60 but it was made possible through fundraising and donations. We’re happy to make it happen ”

Varick Pastor Kelcy Steele has moved church services online.

“It’s been a blessing such a time as this crisis because Varick kept going,” said Varick member Jazz Lark (pictured). ​“I’m a painter by trade so finances have been slow because people feel funny about me being in the homes.”

Terry Jean Miller (pictured) said she was also happy that assistance was available during the pandedmic.

“This help isn’t just for the homeless,” said Miller, who lives on County Street with her four children. ​“I work making $15.85 an hour and I get food stamps, but I still come. Anything extra, the better.”