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OSL provides hands on volunteer opportunities and education on homelessness, discrimination awareness, and diversity; each year we provide volunteer opportunities to more than 3800 individuals; students and corporate groups, as well as being instrumental in Seattle's Community Court Community Service system for poverty related crimes.

Volunteer hours are generally between 9AM – 2PM, and 2 PM – 6:30 PM Monday through Friday. We are also able to accommodate Saturday volunteers from 1 PM to 6:30 PM. You, or your group, are welcome to stay for an entire shift or as your schedule allows.

Breakfast is served at the Outdoor Meal Site at 8AM. The mid-day meals are served from noon – 1PM at the Compass Center and 1PM – 2PM at the Outdoor Meal Site. Dinner is served at the Compass Center from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

OSL volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to; meal prep, serving, and clean-up. Other tasks include inventory, freezer and refrigeration organization, and van detailing and steaming.

Our kitchen is inside the Compass Center at 210 Alaskan Way South. There is pay parking available. OSL prepares and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner for the Compass Center residents as well as our outdoor meals (breakfast & mid-day) that we serve at the Outdoor Meal Site at 6th & Columbia. We also prepare meals for area shelters, youth organizations, advocacy outreach programs in the Seattle area, and for community court clients.

The Outdoor Meal Site is within walking distance (6th & Columbia) although there is also parking available there as well. Please request a parking placard if you will be driving to the meal site.

Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a filled out and signed volunteer permission form by a parent or legal guardian. One form may be used for an entire group provided all names are listed on the form and each responsible adult volunteer has also signed. There must be adequate supervision for groups that include students and children. The OSL staff focus is on daily tasks. An OSL staff member will be designated to orient volunteers.

Due to Health & Safety concerns, it is the policy of OSL that no one under the age of 13 is generally allowed to work inside the kitchen. However, we accommodate our younger volunteers with various tasks which are essential to the program.

We suggest that volunteers wear clean, comfortable clothes and shoes. You will be on your feet! Be sure to layer clothing in the winter, as it will be hot in the kitchen and cold outside. Hair must be tied back or worn in a hairnet that will be provided by OSL. OSL is a scent free environment. Please do not wear strong perfumes, colognes, or deodorants. In a small heated up environment scents can cause headaches, etc… Gloves must be worn at all times while handling and preparing food. Please leave valuables at home.