. >> reporter: neighborhood resident samantha aikins has been relying on food assistance programs to get by. being able to eat, free of charge at the cafe, she says, has been a godsend. >> finding people that can help out, financially. >> reporter: paying customers can help by adding five dollars to their bill, something many o his regulars, like susan are more than happy to do. >> that just touches me right here, in my heart. >> collins's program has become so popular he is now giving awa about 200 free meals per month >> there was a bit in the back of my mind, high volume of meals, but i figured if i wil get myself into trouble it will be good trouble. >> reporter: natalie did you no get into trouble, his business grew by 15% , a huge margin for any restaurant. >> customers have reacted positively and even if they don't always contribute five dollars to help pay for meals, they like the fact that we do i and they choose to come here more often. >> reporter: now, he hopes others will follow his lead. >> able to try to bring -- sorry if i am tearing up, what i think is important , to