Bridge to Better Meals

A volunteer program at ShelterCare ensures that men experiencing homelessness can learn valuable skills to help them regain their independence. It also gives them a chance to give back.

Kitchen team lead Melissa Hayward helps ShelterCare participants learn valuable life skills through the Bridge to Better Meals program.

After losing his job several months ago, James has been staying at House of Friendship’s ShelterCare program.

“I had never been homeless before, and I had never lost my job like this,” said James. “And when I ended up here, I wanted to have something meaningful to do.”

James shows up for regular volunteer shifts at our ShelterCare kitchen as part of the Bridge to Better Meals program, preparing food for the other 99 men in the shelter. He does this between his daily routine of applying for full-time work and looking for housing.

“I wanted to find something to do with my time,” said James. “It gives me a sense of belonging and purpose. I’m not just freeloading – I’m able to contribute.”

The volunteer program is run like a job – participants must interview for the position and sign up for regular shifts, working approximately 20 hours a week.

Melissa Hayward, team lead in ShelterCare’s Kitchen, supervises and guides the volunteers in the program.

Participants learn to cook, wash dishes, and maintain a clean working space. These skills can be helpful for participants who have been
homeless for a significant amount of time – some of whom might never have cooked for themselves.

“We try to meet them where they’re at,” said Melissa. “Being in the kitchen can be intimidating. So for some people, it’s mostly just dishwashing, whereas for other people, they could learn to make soup, which is a really big step for them.”

For James, as he makes plans to rebuild his life, the volunteer program is a bright spot in his day.

“It’s nice to have something I can look forward to,” said James. “I’ve really enjoyed being part of it.”