“To provide dignity, care and compassion through action with the example that each person can make a difference.
To educate and advocate acceptance and understanding of each other’s differences. 
To ultimately bring about the realization that we are all a vital part of this world
and with extended effort put an end to homelessness, hunger and hatred.”

Feeding the Hungry ~ Saving Lives ~ Since 1989

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OSL’s Community Connections program is an integral resource in providing understanding, sensitivity and awareness for underservedcommunities in Seattle. Our program provides immersive, hands on experience in feeding insecure communities and education on homelessness, discrimination and diversity awareness in the city of Seattle. Our organization sees over 4,000 volunteers each year from schools, youth groups, civic, faith and corporate organizations as well as supporting the Seattle’s Municipal Community Court as being an outlet for community service fulfillment for poverty related crimes.

Our volunteers work throughout the day to provide meals to numerous agencies supporting men and women in finding housing, emergency shelter and working towards a better future.

Volunteer involvement includes, but is not limited to: Cooking hot meals, serving insecure communities, supporting OSL staff in processing donations, dishes, inventory, cleaning, organization of storage spaces, and detailing vehicles.

CORPORATE GROUPS
While not a requirement OSL asks each corporate group to consider a donation to OSL to support our continuing mission to end hunger. Corporate groups or individuals are also encouraged to research corporate matching programs and to explore their employer’s options for supporting their staff in volunteer service.

MINOR VOLUNTEERS
OSL offers volunteer opportunities for people of all ages between the hours of 8:45AM and 2PM, Monday through Friday. Opportunities each day from 2PM-6:30PM are reserved for individuals older than 13 years of age.  FOR YOUTH AND SCHOOL GROUPS: chaperones must be provided at a ratio of 1 per every 5 students.

Due to health, safety, and liability concerns OSL does not allow minors younger than 13 years of age to volunteer inside the kitchen. However, volunteers younger than 13 will be fully occupied along with their chaperone or parent in operations critical to the organization. Volunteers of all ages can serve at both the Compass Center and the Seattle Outdoor Meal Site.

In addition to having a parent/guardian sign the permission form, all minor volunteers must be accompanied by a responsible adult at a ratio of 1 to 5.  A school sanctioned chaperone or a parent/guardian must be present on site for the duration of the minor’s volunteer service

COURT ORDERED COMMUNITY SERVICE
OSL assists individuals needing to satisfy court ordered community service requirements. OSL offers community service fulfillment between 9-4pm Monday through Friday. Other options on a case-by-case basis.

SCHEDULING

OSL schedules all volunteers through our volunteer coordinator.  Drop in volunteers are not accepted at any of our OSL kitchens or at the Seattle Outdoor Meal Site.  Scheduling is on a first come first serve basis.

DRESS CODE
Attire must be appropriate for kitchen oriented tasks. No revealing tank tops or above the knee shorts. No open toed shoes.  We encourage comfortable clothing. Longhair must be tied back in a bub or braid. We also provide hairnets and beard nets.  OSL is a scent free environment and we ask that our volunteers refrain from wearing perfumes, aerosolized deodorants or colognes.

PLEASE LEAVE VALUABLE ITEMS THAT CANNOT BE STORED ON YOUR PERSON AT HOME.

TRANSPORTATION
OSL is unable to provide support for parking, There is pay-by-the-hour street parking is readily available at all of our kitchens.  Additionally each of our kitchens can be reached using mass transit. If you have questions about which bus to take please talk to our volunteer coordinator.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Monday – Friday 8:45AM-2:00PM (All ages)
We can accommodate large groups at the Compass Center.

Sunday - Saturday 2:00-6:30PM (13+ accompanied by an adult)
Up to 6 people

Sunday - Saturday 2:00-6:30PM (18+)
Up to 3-6 people (Available at Westlake Apartments, Frederic Ozanam House and Nyer Urness)

Sunday – Saturday 2:00-6:30PM (21+)
Up to 3 people (Available at Wintonia Community Housing)

Other opportunities available upon request.