‘Spread some love to those that need it,’ Texans’ Jalen Pitre feeds families at Salvation Army homeless shelter

HOUSTON – In the kitchen at a Salvation Army homeless shelter, Texans nickel Jalen Pitre and his family were putting together quite the aroma with a meal filled with flavor and love for those in need.

His cousin, Pamela, from Alexandria, Louisiana has a restaurant and she cooked up quite a plate: macaroni and cheese, grilled chicken, dirty rice, Cajun-style green beans and a slice of pound cake.

Joined by his family, including his mom, and his Pitre Boyz charitable foundation and his agent, Trey Robinson, Pitre assembled and served up meals for hundreds of Houstonians on his day off from football practice.

“It means a lot,” Pitre said. “I just want to come out here and spread some love to those that need it. We’re just trying to be a vessel, just to help out the city as much as we can and and we’re doing that.”

One of the most involved players in the Houston community, the Stafford graduate has a big heart for anyone going through tough times.

Many of those who dined enthusiastically Tuesday started the day under a bridge or living in a homeless encampment. This was a respite from their daily hardships.

“It’s definitely shocking to see, but I’m just trying to help out and and spread love as much as I can,” Pitre said. “Some people are less fortunate and it’s our duty, the people that do have a little bit more, just to help them out as much as we can and just to let them know that they have what it takes and just to keep going and give them some type of motivation in their life.

“So, that’s all we’re trying to do here, just trying to provide them with a good meal, a good conversation and some love and hopefully that sends them with some with some love going forward."

Pitre was all smiles as he and his family got to pitch in together to help people.

That’s how it’s always been for the Baylor graduate.

Whether it’s his work and giving with Kids Meals Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps food-insecure children, or this day, Pitre is all about giving back.

“It’s always with the family,” Pitre said. “It feels great. I’m nothing without them and they help me continue to keep going and and keep growing. So, I’m forever thankful for them for everything that they do for me and everything that they do for others as well.”

Playing for his hometown NFL team continues a personal story and career arc for Pitre in Texas. From high school to college to being drafted in the second round by the Texans to earning a three-year, $42.6 million second contract, it’s all come full circle.

“It’s a blessing,” he said. “This is God’s plan that He’s placed me where I’m from, like you said. So, I’m just trying to do my duty to help out as much as I can and continue to give back because I’m thankful to be home. Like a lot of people don’t don’t get this. So, , I’m just trying to help out as much as I can."

Pitre was joined by Kenneth Aikens, a director for Salvation Army organizations throughout the greater Houston area.

"It’s an honor,“ Aikens said. ”It’s a privilege to have Jalen and his family come. It’s a privilege to serve and having a hot meal wrapped with love, man. It’s what we do every day. And so today is just like any other day, but it’s a day filled with love.

“And so these individuals are coming from all over, living under the bridges, they’re living in encampments, and so to get a meal with love, it’s what we it’s what we do.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com