A Peninsula woman has been a source of hope and help the homeless in northern San Mateo County for nearly 30 years.

Lisa Collins, director of the St. Vincent de Paul North County Homeless Conference, is in the kitchen at 6 a.m., boiling chicken to make soup that brings warmth and nourishment.

"It's more than the food. It's actually creating a community," she said, stirring the giant pot on the stove.

Collins has served as director for almost 30 years. She leads a program called Cafe Saint Vincent.

Collins, along with volunteers, pour a special blend of compassion on about 120 people who come to the cafe in South San Francisco each weekday morning.

They receive meals, clothing, hygiene products, and vouchers for gas and haircuts. And they get help securing jobs and housing.

"One of ou

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