What you need to know
So, you want to come downtown and serve?
Here is the information:
- We serve at the Bridge. We don’t work there and we don’t make the rules. They allow us to serve because they need our help - and we follow their guidelines.
- Be on time. Volunteers assisting with serving dinner must be in the cafeteria at 5:30 PM. The Stewpot staff will give a short orientation at that time. They require that we get there on time. If you cannot show up that early - still come - but understand that you may be serving in different areas of the facility.
- Anyone serving must be at least 16 years old. This is a guideline from the Bridge.
- Dress casual. Wear what is appropriate for the weather. For the comfort of the homeless, you might try to dress in a casual/informal manner. Jeans and T-Shirts are always welcome.
- We travel in a large group. Sometimes we share rides so that we can carpool to the sites. Remember to never try to go downtown alone.
- Know the phone number of the contact person for whatever night you are going downtown. They will be able to provide driving directions and more specific instructions than you will find here.
- WARNING - this is addictive so be prepared to come back!
Here are the basic rules:
- We don”t give out money to anyone. Experience has taught us that you can”t tell the wolves from the sheep. Most of the time money is given to the homeless, you are placing money in the hands of an addict. Your money might be used to support their bad habits. If you feel led to give money to support the homeless, then give it to a ministry like this one. We take gifts of all sizes and use it to purchase clothes, personal hygeine items, and other necessary supplies.
- Safety is primary. The Bridge provides security officers who maintain peace in the area. We serve inside the Bridge - but it is a large campus. Please stay with at least one other volunteer at all times. It is a crowded facility and we like to stick together.
- For safety, we maintain a “First Name” only relationship with the homeless. Never give out your home phone number or address. If someone wants to maintain contact with you, give them your cell phone number or email address. You can always give them my name and number. (Wayne @ 214-458-8687)
Tell us how you can serve:
