Community Spirit: Queen City Burgers Feeds Salisbury’s Homeless
Queen City Burgers and Fries has become a beacon of hope for Salisbury’s homeless community. For several months now, they’ve been distributing food and essential supplies, thanks to generous support from locals.
Owner Russ Hudson moved the food truck to 401 East Innes Street about four months ago. Before that, he parked at Walmart, where he first noticed homeless individuals approaching for food. This experience sparked his desire to help. “It’s hard to ignore someone when they’re hungry,” Hudson shared.
After relocating closer to Rowan Helping Ministries, the number of people seeking meals increased significantly. To sustain this effort, Hudson began accepting donations, displaying a sign that read “Donate a Meal to the Homeless.” Soon after, community members started paying for additional meals, creating a system where each ticket hung in the window indicated a meal was available.
“I believe in making someone smile every day; you never know whose world you might change,” Hudson said. His food truck offers hot dogs, drinks, and chips, contributing not just a meal, but joy to those in need.
Looking to expand his efforts, Hudson turned to the neighborhood app Nextdoor, asking for donations of blankets, hats, and clothes. “I don’t give out money, but everyone deserves a meal,” he said. This approach has really taken off, allowing him to collect supplies directly for the homeless.
This past Thanksgiving, Hudson and his wife, Meredith, organized a special meal. Again, they sought donations via Nextdoor and received an enthusiastic response from the community. “It’s not just me; it’s Salisbury that makes this possible. I’m merely the distributor,” Hudson explained. They served dozens of people and initiated a family-style meal that fostered community bonds.
Some regulars now assist Hudson, including Rusty Reynolds, who initially sought work cleaning restaurants. He found Hudson and has been helping out ever since. “I’ve never met anyone like him. I enjoy helping and believe in what he’s doing,” Reynolds said.
Another supporter, Dean Elledge, comes daily to chat and lend a hand. At 60, finding stable work has been challenging for him, but he values the routine of helping Hudson. “It makes me feel like I’m contributing something,” Elledge said.
As colder months approach, Hudson is ramping up efforts for winter gear. He’s created an Amazon registry where people can purchase items for the homeless, while a GoFundMe page helps raise funds for food and supplies. Hudson’s commitment and the community’s support demonstrate how collective action can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing hardships.
Recent statistics show that nearly 580,000 people are homeless in the U.S. In Salisbury, initiatives like Hudson’s are crucial. They not only provide food but also foster connections that can lead to longer-term support.
In a time when kindness can feel scarce, Hudson’s work highlights the power of community. As he says, even a small action can lead to big changes.
