Photos courtesy of Kevin Connor, Coast Highway Photography

The Encouragement Center, a nonprofit charity serving the homeless and hungry in North County, recently served dinner at the North County Solutions for Change emergency shelter.

Pictured during the event are volunteers and recipients.

The center is unique because it literally goes out into the streets, locates and provides on-site food, clothing and counseling to the needy.

Volunteers consist of people of all faiths. The group was founded by Tina Marino of Carlsbad. Its immediate goal is to open a permanent facility in Vista.

For more information, call (760) 845-8838 or e-mail info@TheEncouragementCenter.org. Visit the Web site at www.TheEncouragementCenter.org.