TEMPLE, Texas — Paulo Tecari, a regular at Feed My Sheep, lost his life in what marks the second shooting of a member of the Feed My Sheep community in just three weeks. The Feed My Sheep Organization calls for action to end the violence against the un-housed community.
Jeff Stegall, the director of Feed My Sheep, spoke out about the incident. "It's absurd," he said. "This is now two people that have been shot in the last 2.5 to 3 weeks."
The loss has deeply affected the Feed My Sheep community. Grief counselors have been brought in to support the staff, and Paulo's family visited to share their sorrow. Stegall’s office still bears a stark reminder of the tragedy - a jacket with Paulo's name left there on the day of the incident.
"This must end," Stegall emphasized. "We cannot accept this violence. This type of action towards people in our community is intolerable."
Stegall calls on the community to take action and show that every life matters.
“This is Temple; this is our town. These are the people that we grew up with. These are people that live amongst us,” said Stegall.
According to the City of Temple, 319 people are experiencing homelessness in Bell, Coryelle, Hamilton and Lampasas counties.
In response to this tragedy, Feed My Sheep will hold a remembrance of life for Paulo on Saturday at 10 a.m. in their café. Whether they knew Paulo or not, the public is invited to attend to grieve together and show support for those affected by this loss.
Stegall also encouraged community members to get involved with Feed My Sheep.
"We would love to introduce them to everyone up here, work with them, and serve together," he said.
As the community grapples with this heartbreaking situation, the message is clear: caring is where change begins.
“I want others to say 'this must end.'” Stegall continued. “Not just sit at the house and say ‘oh that’s sad,’ they should also be angry.”