Chilltop Chili and Community: Celebrating Partnership at Hilltop Library

This past Monday, we celebrated a special moment in our ongoing partnership with the Hilltop Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. The Hilltop staff helped us choose the name for the day’s meal, and their winning pick, Chilltop Chili, captured the personality of the neighborhood. It felt creative, welcoming, and full of heart. By the end of the afternoon, we had shared 108 bowls of Chilltop Chili, each one a reminder of what community looks like when people come together with care and intention.

This meal was a highlight of the relationship we have built throughout the year. Together, Make-A-Day and Hilltop Library have served nearly 1,000 meals in 2025. These meals create predictable and low barrier spaces where neighbors can connect with services in a way that feels natural and rooted in trust.

The November event showed that ecosystem in action. Our partners from the LSS Health Center spent time with guests and provided accessible care and conversations that met people exactly where they were. Columbus Public Health added another layer of support by distributing Narcan, fentanyl test strips, handwarmers, masks, pouches, and sharps containers. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to safety and dignity, especially as temperatures drop and needs shift.

We also welcomed partners from City Council. John Drury, Legislative Analyst from Councilmember Green’s office, helped serve meals out the window of the truck. Later, Haley Gerken, Councilmember Green’s Legislative Aide and a former social worker at CML Hilltop, joined us. Her presence added a special sense of full circle connection to the day.

While meals were being shared, guests also connected with Vanessa and Antonio for support with winter needs, holiday gifts, and other services. It was the kind of steady, relationship based work that grows from showing up in the same place over time.

This is the heart of our partnership with Hilltop Library. It is not simply co location. It is shared purpose. It is not just an event. It is an ongoing relationship that grows through consistency, creativity, and community leadership.

We are grateful for every meal, every conversation, every collaboration, and every person who has shown up with us at Hilltop. The spirit of Chilltop Chili reflects the best of what we can build together and we are excited to continue this work with our neighbors in the months ahead.

Moments like Chilltop Chili happen because our community believes in showing up for one another. If you feel called to support this work, we have opportunities for volunteers, partners, and donors to join the effort. Connect with us to learn more about how you can be part of what comes next.