faith in action

Ministry with: 580 Café

580 Café is a ministry collaboration building a support system for those on the margins and struggling to remain in school. We spoke with Pastor Jeanne Roe Smith to learn more.


Students and Pastor Jeanne Roe Smith pose in front of a step and repeat that say 501 Cafe.

Pursuing a higher education is often seen as a means of freedom from generational poverty. However, hikes in college tuition, lack of affordable housing, and a high cost of living are just some of the difficulties our nation’s students must overcome to stay in school. That path can be especially challenging for those at the margins.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the poverty level is more than 20 percent in the city of Los Angeles, California. Further, California State University released a study in 2016 that estimated 8-12 percent of college students in the state were unhoused. These rates increase for undocumented students, LGBTQIA students and first-generation college students.

Pastor Jeanne Roe Smith and the administration at the University of California, Los Angeles wanted to find a way to support students so that they could change their life trajectory and escape the grasps of poverty. After holding listening sessions with the student population, the 580 Café opened as a response to build a support system for those on the margins and struggling to remain in school.

We interviewed Pastor Jeanne Roe Smith to learn more.

What dream is the ministry pursuing?

The dream we pursue is to be, build and become God’s beloved community. A community where all are welcomed as respected and valued persons- where we share our stories, hopes and dreams along with our vulnerabilities and fears. We desire to create shalom in and among ourselves and move into the world empowered and committed to incarnating kindness, compassion and justice

Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you?

What stands out to me is the willingness of students from incredibly different backgrounds, traditions, beliefs and experiences to come together in the 580 Café and take the risk of being vulnerable and open with each other. God is present and thriving in and among us as we struggle together to learn, grow and celebrate our uniqueness and claim our common hope and joy in community.

What have your neighbors (those utilizing services) taught you in doing this work?

Humility and gratitude. I am daily embraced with the kindness and love of those who share their stories of exclusion and harm. The lesson here is to be authentic and vulnerable in building relationships with others rather than letting society dictate who and who isn’t our neighbor/family/friend. The generosity and willingness of students to interact with a system and institution that has not always been kind to them, and to see beyond the surface and stereotypes and reach out in trust and friendship, holds me accountable personally and professionally.

What challenges have you encountered, and how have you adapted?

There has been a reluctance to engage with institutions of privilege and authority that represent systemic racism and sexism. Students are skeptical of sincere intent and are afraid of hidden agendas, false promises and subtle coercion to accept doctrine, dogma or creeds. We offer Christ in ways that students can experience and engage with CHRIST (Compassion, Hope, Relationship, Inspiration, Solidarity and Truth).

What advice would you give to others who are working to be in ministry with?

Begin with love; respect and kindness. Engage with the community you are in relationship with by amplifying and listening to their voices, experiences and wisdom. Drop assumptions and look for connections and build relationships of respect. Presume ability and capacity rather than inability or deficit — in other words, honor their sacred value and dignity each of us has value and capacity and something to share/offer — in our own way and time. People and relationships are not commodities to be traded and sold; dignity is not based on societal/political/religious compliance but in our Christian understanding of God’s blessing and goodness in each of us.

How can people contact you if they are inspired by your ministry?

By text or phone at 310-909-4471, or email at wfsucla@gmail.com.