What makes Chef Luann’s presence at The Apostles’ House so meaningful is not just her talent, but her empathy. She understands what it’s like to struggle. “2024 was one of the hardest years of my life,” she admits. “I lost my lights, couldn’t cook, and had to take my kids to the library just to use our phones.”

During that challenging time, someone handed her a flyer about a free meal service. At first, she resisted. “In my head, I thought—this is not happening to me.” But attending that meal shifted her perspective on homelessness. “It was beautiful. Peaceful. People serving others with dignity.”

That moment solidified her purpose and changed her perception around homelessness. And now, I get it—what you mean when you talk about the women here. Their stories are amazing. And when they walk out that door into their own home—it’s everything.”

Looking ahead, Luann envisions growing the Grant Street Meals Program beyond the kitchen. She hopes to start a garden in the backyard to supplement meals with fresh vegetables. “Sometimes we run short, and it would be beautiful to grow enough to feed all three houses,” she says.

Chef Luann also plans to expand meal variety, introducing Caribbean flavors and themed food days while keeping the warmth of home cooking. “We do need help,” she adds. “Some women rely on the food here completely. They look forward to the meals. They get excited about fruit, bread—little things. Because it means someone sees them, cares about them.”

Connection is the heart of the program. Luann doesn’t just serve food—she builds community. “When you put two and two together, it’s not just me in the kitchen anymore. It’s a family. We talk about the food, music, the day –It’s love.”