Brother Benno’s

The Project

Brother Benno’s was started in 1983 by Harold and Kay Kutler as a soup kitchen in a small house in downtown Oceanside. They named it after Brother Benno Garrity, a Benedictine monk who was well known for his tireless service to those in need in the Oceanside area. Brother Benno himself made a big cauldron of soup at his abbey and brought it to the little house that bore his name. Brother Benno Center has now become a vital community organization serving North County San Diego, offering a men's recovery program, women's sober living, hot meals, sack lunches, support services, clothing, showers, essential items, and more to address the expanding needs of those experiencing financial need and homelessness as well as senior citizens.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation and Preserve Calavera, BQuest Foundation was able to support the Brother Benno Center in financing a 67.2 kW solar system at their facility. This solar installation not only promotes sustainability and reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also enables Brother Benno’s to allocate more resources toward supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, the working poor, and seniors in the community. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, we aim to empower organizations like Brother Benno’s to maximize their impact and expand their reach.