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Super Bowl party gives homeless a chance to gather, celebrate

BY KELLIE SCHMITT Californian staff writer
Sunday, Feb 05 2012 09:00 PM

The scene was much like any other Super Bowl party: burgers on the grill, chips on the table, and fans screaming loudly as the Giants scored their first touchdown.

But for the mostly homeless crowd at St. Vincent de Paul's Sunday, the gathering meant more than just a good game.

"It's about bringing people together so we don't have to think about being homeless," said David Olsen, who sported a Buffalo Bills cap and rooted for the Giants. "For three hours, you can be in a family setting."

That's exactly why St. Vincent opened its doors for the occasion, said Deacon Richard Lambert, who helped organize the shindig. Sunday marked the second time St. Vincent has hosted a Super Bowl party, and the attendees doubled to about 80 this year.

"No one else invites these people to their home for the Super Bowl," Lambert said. "I figured it'd be good for them to come celebrate the Super Bowl like everyone else."

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