Whether or not you’re able to gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, there are ways to gather with—and in support—your community in Bend. Two non-profit organizations will be actively serving our neighbors who need assistance during the holiday. Both Shepherd’s House Ministries and Family Kitchen serve our area’s “houseless” population. “Houseless” is the latest most respectful terminology when talking about the 1,099 of our neighbors, according to the Homeless Leadership Coalition’s 2021 Point in Time Count, living without traditional housing in Deschutes County. These two programs run daily all year long and are dependent upon volunteer efforts. Consider trying out a volunteer opportunity during the holidays and, if you’re a match, continue to volunteer throughout the year.
The Bend Shelter
Operated by Shepherd’s House Ministries in partnership with the City of Bend.
It is new for the area to have a year-round low-barrier shelter for those experiencing homelessness. “Low barrier” means that anyone can access shelter as long as they are willing and able to meet safe behavior guidelines. Operating since June, the shelter is at capacity most nights and is in regular need of meals for those staying there. Make it a family project to make and deliver a meal once or regularly. Provide your favorite casserole—just a larger size! Or you can provide meal delivery through a local restaurant. The current need is for 70 dinner meals daily. “Volunteers are the only reason we’re able to do what we do here every day,” says Ryan Olufson, associate director of development and volunteers. COVID Safety: Make meals at home and drop them at the shelter. ShepherdsHouseMinistries.org
Sign up: MealTrain.com/trains/o1w3ql
Family Kitchen
The community’s free meal program since 1986 serves a meal every day of the week (two on Fridays) in downtown Bend. Their traditional meal on Thanksgiving Day will be served from 2 p.m.– 5 p.m. and volunteers are needed for two-hour shifts all day long. Come on your own, come with family, or come with friends. Tasks include cooking, serving, decorating, and cleaning. Diners notice when the community is rallying in support of their needs, especially on a holiday. From a diner last year at the holidays: “Thank you for all you do to make people feel important—oh, and for the warm and delicious food!” Volunteers offer quality food with a healthy dose of respect and dignity. COVID Safety: Masks required inside, meals served to go, volunteer count limited for space, work areas are well-ventilated. FamilyKitchen.org
Sign Up: info@familykitchen.org