The Mobile Waterfront Rescue Mission, their partners, and volunteers passed out hot meals Tuesday ahead of Thanksgiving at First Baptist Church in Tillman's Corner.

Perry Taylor came to pick up his meal and told NBC 15 that seeing a community come together like this for people like him makes him feel wonderful.

"These people are really good people and they go far and beyond anything I ever seen. Helping people out here, they feed us constantly, and they take care of us. I'm very honored," Taylor said. "I'll tell you man, just living everyday out here is really hard. I struggle with my addictions. It's tough but I got God. But you know, it is what it is, we do what we do, and it's going to get better."

Not only were meals passed out at First Baptist Church, they were delivered by members of the community who can relate to people living on the streets, members like John Roush.

"After I left the streets, I never turned back," Roush said. "I've always brought back to the streets, socks, shoes, things in that nature, especially food."

So Roush packed a truck full of hot meals to head out to local encampments.

"What are some of the reactions, what are the feelings that they express to you?" NBC 15 Reporter Lisa Librenjak asked.

"Thankfulness is one of the biggest, main things. But I'd say the second thing is tears. You'd be amazed at the thankfulness, how it brings tears to their eyes because somebody is willing to just reach out and give them a hug.," Roush replied.

In total, about 300 meals were passed out Tuesday. The next meal distribution is on Thanksgiving, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Mobile Waterfront Rescue Mission at 279 N. Washington Ave.

Between Mobile and Pensacola, the Waterfront Rescue Mission is expecting to serve about 5,000 meals for Thanksgiving.