Soups On! set for Jan. 27

By Juliette Coulter

The Stewpot, a Dallas-based mission of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas serving people experiencing hardship or homelessness, will celebrate 50 years of impact in 2025 with events to engage the community in embracing and supporting those in need. 

The 50th anniversary theme, “50 Years of Loving Our Neighbors,” will highlight The Stewpot’s long tradition of love in action. 

Since its founding in 1975 to feed people on the streets downtown, The Stewpot has served more than 8.7 million meals. 

With strong support from donors, it has also grown to provide comprehensive services and a community of support for people experiencing poverty and homelessness, including programs that stabilize, house and enrich the lives of Dallas neighbors. 

These include helping people recover more than 112,000 vital ID documents to access services and employment, funding 233 four-year scholarships for college or vocational school since 1991 and helping provide housing for 320 people since its rapid rehousing program began in 2021.

The year-long anniversary celebrations will begin with a “50 Years of Loving Our Neighbors” art exhibit and community activation series at Galleria Dallas. Throughout the month of January, works by artists in The Stewpot Art Program will be showcased in a neighboring Art Window. Mall visitors will be invited to take a seat on The Stewpot’s “Love Your Neighbor” bench and snap a photo with new or old friends to post on social media with the hashtag #LoveYourNeighborsDallas. 

The community can also participate in two events as part of The Stewpot’s month-long presence at The Galleria. On Saturday, Jan. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m., visitors can talk with Stewpot artists about their works and see The Stewpot’s friends from the Dallas Street Choir perform. On Saturday, Jan.18 (the weekend leading up to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), from 1 to 3 p.m., there will be a pop-up “Love Your Neighbor” volunteer opportunity. Mallgoers can help assemble hygiene kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness. All materials will be provided for this free, family-friendly activity on Level 3 across from the Play Place. 

The 17th Annual Soup’s On Luncheon, hosted by The Stewpot Alliance and benefiting The Stewpot, will be held on Monday, Jan. 27 at Thompson Dallas. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit soupsondallas.org.