QUUF’s Support for the Emergency Shelter 2026-27

Through our Housing Action Team we have committed to providing dinner 5 nights/month at the Emergency Shelter housed at the American Legion Building, corner of Water and Monroe St.

Meals are prepared in QUUF’s “donor kitchen”. They can also be purchased from a restaurant, or come prepared from a grocery store. This year we have budgeted for partial reimbursement of ingredients, although we rely on supplemental donations from volunteers. Volunteers are welcome, even if they cannot contribute financially.

The evening is divided into 2 parts:

Cooks: The lead cook plans the meal and purchases the ingredients. Volunteers assist in preparing the food. 3:00-5:15 approximately. Cooks may offer to deliver the food.

Servers: This team delivers the food to the shelter (unless a cook does). They serve it, eat along with the guests and clean up. We also pack lunches for the next day. We do not provide the lunch food. 5:15-7:00 approximately.

• Some cooks enjoy also being on the serving team. 3:00-7:00.
• Orientation in the kitchen and at the shelter is provided.
• Each team needs someone with a food handler’s card, https://www.foodworkercard.wa.gov/ both in our kitchen when preparing and in the shelter kitchen when serving. This is completed on line, at a cost of $10. It is good for 2 years. QUUF will cover the cost if that is helpful. A copy is needed in the QUUF binder and at the shelter.
• We suggest 3-4 cooks, 3 servers (sometimes the same people.)

Dinner consists of a main dish, vegetable side dish, bread or bread substitute. Dessert is appreciated. This food can be bought prepared, and heated at the shelter, or prepared in our QUUF kitchen. Only baked goods can be made at home. Meals cost between $90 & $150.

• Consideration should be made for vegetarians. The main dish can have meat, as long as the side and bread are vegetarian. Cheese can be added for the bread or side dish.
• Dinner is served between 5:45 & 6, delivered between 5:15 & 5:30.
• Servers and Shelter staff are fed in addition to guests. You will be told before your night how many to plan for.
• Servers return pans and bowls to QUUF kitchen

Sign Up Suggestions:

• You can sign up as an individual, or as a group. However, all names should be listed on the sign up.
• Covenant & Affinity Groups have enjoyed this as a service project.
• Teams and Committees can sign up.
• You can grab a few friends or family members to create a team.
• Sign up genius is where you see what slots are available, and sign up.
• https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080945ACA92EA1F58-65012250-shelter

Save this link in a convenient place.

If you are unfamiliar with sign up genius, or have questions, contact

Julia Cochrane (360) 821-1926 (text or call) willowtree@olypen.com

Katherine Stevenson kstevensonpt@gmail.com  (360) 385-4565

“Volunteering to feed people who are unhoused at the Jefferson County Emergency Shelter is a profoundly impactful act of compassion that addresses both immediate needs and broader social issues. It provides essential nourishment and care to individuals who are struggling with food insecurity and homelessness, offering them not just a meal but a moment of dignity and human connection.”  – Bayside Housing and Services website

Page updated August 15, 2026