Upcoming Outreach Dates
We meet every second Saturday of the month (and every fourth Saturday in the Winter). Please email megan@seattlehomeless.org for volunteer sign-up and outreach details.
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September 11, 2021
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October 9, 2021
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November 13, 2021
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December 11, 2021
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January 8, 2021
NEW: SHO Implements Socially Distanced Outreach to Align with COVID-19 Public Safety Recommendations
Seattle Homeless Outreach is back! Outreach has been updated to align with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health recommendations to protect our community. Volunteers and supporters are encouraged to contact us with any questions. Meanwhile, we are thrilled to support our community.
Our outreach process has been adjusted significantly — we are pre-assembling supplies (which includes hygiene and safety gear, but currently cannot include homemade food items), outreach teams are limited to experienced volunteers, and all volunteers must be screened before outreach. This is because the population we serve often have multiple vulnerabilities — age, compromised immune systems, extremely high rates of lung disease, and are also living outdoors — which makes the spread of COVID-19 extremely dangerous. The health and safety of the community we serve is a top priority.
We will continue following the situation closely and will keep everyone updated on any changes. We love you. Please mask up, wash your hands, and stay safe and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 and Outreach
When will SHO go out again?
- We are back to our normal schedule! Current volunteers will continue receiving emails with details, as usual. If you are not on the volunteer emails, but would like to be, please contact megan@seattlehomeless.org to be added to our list.
What does Outreach look like now?
- Board members are pre-assembling kits for outreach ahead of time to reduce any risk of contamination. A small, scrappy group of experienced volunteers who have submitted a health screening meet at an alternate location. Volunteers must have their own transportation. Social distancing and wearing masks is required. SHO will provide volunteers with KN95 masks for their use.
If I can't take part in socially distanced outreach, how do I help?
- Now is a great time to clear out closets and cupboards for camping gear and other donations.
- Make care packages for distribution later.
- Make cards for our clients. Pro tip: This is a great project for kids who are also stuck at home!
- Learn how to make durable fleece scarves, hats, gloves, or blankets in gender neutral colors for our clients.
- Enjoy some online shopping on our Amazon Wish List
- Donate directly to organizations on the front lines — look for established nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, and be wary of giving to individuals or organizations without a solid history behind them.
- Provide food donations for Operation Nightwatch in a show of support, while they work to feed those in need. These are amazing folks who help us do what we do. They are in need of:
- Bagged peanut butter sandwiches
- Individually packaged snacks, power bars, protein snacks
- Wrapped candies
- Whole fruits, such as bananas and apples
- Home-baked cookies! (must be bagged for individual distribution)
- Most importantly, STAY HOME, MASK UP, and wash your hands, because we love you!
Seattle Homeless Outreach at a Glance
We provide emergency and humanitarian outreach services to our neighbors living outside. Our mission is to meet people where they are, without expectation or judgment.
Volunteer with Seattle Homeless Outreach
We are always looking for friendly volunteers to help us provide a range of services to our clients. We have volunteer opportunities for everyone! Outreach volunteers must be 21+ and able to carry supplies long distances, but we have lots of ways to help, including: preparing sandwiches or healthy snack packs, providing basic harm-reduction supplies and services, organizing donation drives (coats, backpacks, flashlights, and more!), and even basic veterinary care for our furry clients.