Mavs Gaming Kicks off Summer Community Efforts Feeding the Dallas Homeless Community at Area Homeless Shelter

This story was originally published on Mavs.com/Community.

DALLAS – Mavs Gaming players and coaches stood behind a metal countertop full of hot dogs, mashed potatoes, green beans and leftover wedding cake at the Stewpot’s Second Chance Café, a dining room that provides meal services for the needy at The Bridge Homeless Assistance Center in Dallas.

One-by-one the players smiled and made small talk with over 450 homeless individuals that walked through the door, as they gently dished out food, poured water, cleaned tables and emptied trays for the needy – many of them wrapped in blankets and arriving for their first meal in days. 

“To do our part in Dallas, to help out the city, is absolutely amazing,” said Moustapha “ByAnyMeansMo” Saab, a rookie shooting guard. “I feel like it’s a really good opportunity because when you see people who are less fortunate that you, it just really opens up your heart.”

Since May 2008, The Stewpot at Second Chance Café has been the sole meal provider at The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, serving on average 1,000 per day, seven days per week. The mission aligns with Mavs Gaming’s goals to focus on hunger, food and housing needs associated within the area of South Dallas where they work, practice and live.

“It’s super-important to have people like Mavs Gaming here to volunteer and serve our guests because it provides the individuals with hope,” director of meal services Michael Haynes said. “It reminds them that they’re not alone and there are people in the community that really care.”

Mavs Gaming point guard Artreyo “Dimez” Boyd said he enjoys serving the needy because it hits close to home. Dimez has been a staple in the community since arriving in Dallas, hosting various events at the children’s hospital and other initiatives.

“We’re just serving people today and we’re doing it together,” said Dimez. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s always something I’m super-passionate about. I come from a less-fortunate family and neighborhood, so to come down here, just puts smiles on everyone’s faces. To do this as a team and an organization is just amazing.”

It’s a sentiment that Mo echoes.

“I’m really having a great life right now,” he said. “I’m playing video games for a living and people over here are struggling to even have a meal and bed to sleep in. So honestly, it feels amazing to give back.”

ABOUT MAVS CARE: The Dallas Mavericks strive to be champions on the court and in the community. We are dedicated to building a stronger community through educational programs, health and wellness initiatives, environmental efforts, support for military veterans, and grants to nonprofit organizations. Through our community programs and the Mavs Foundation, we are changing lives in North Texas and have impacted thousands of children, families and communities. Learn more at Mavs.com/Community. @MavsCare

ABOUT THE BRIDGE – HOMELESS RECOVERY CENTER, DALLAS, TEXAS: For nearly 11 years The Bridge has facilitated recovery from homelessness for individuals without a home in Dallas County, twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week. The only shelter in Dallas providing day and night shelter, basic need services include hot showers, food, haircuts, Physical Health Evaluations and Mental Health Assessments for nearly 800 guests every day. Through collaborative relationships with services partners, The Bridge creates a one stop shop for a guest’s implementing their Care and Housing Plan, or strategy for exiting homelessness. Learn more at www.bridgenorthtexas.org.