Yawkey Housing Resource Center Meal Service Volunteer

Help Provide Nutritious Meals to Guests at the Yawkey Housing Resource Center

The Yawkey Housing Resource Center in Quincy is seeking volunteers to support daily meal services for guests staying in the emergency shelter. Volunteers help ensure guests receive consistent meals in a clean, welcoming, and respectful environment.

Shifts are available every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with opportunities for individuals and groups.

Volunteer Role Options

Breakfast Service Volunteer

• Help prepare and distribute continental breakfast items
• Support food prep, item distribution, and light kitchen cleaning
• Maintain a welcoming atmosphere for guests
• 🕒 Daily | 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Lunch Service Volunteer

• Assist with preparation and service of nutritious hot lunches
• Help with meal service, food prep, and kitchen upkeep
• 🕒 Daily | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Dinner Service Volunteer

• Support meal service during the evening dinner hour
• Participate in serving, food prep, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness
• 🕒 Daily | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Additional Volunteer Information

Tasks May Include

• Food preparation and plating
• Serving meals to guests
• Dishwashing
• Sweeping and general cleaning

Volunteers are never required to perform a task they are uncomfortable with or unable to do safely.

Confidentiality Expectations

Volunteers must uphold the dignity and privacy of all guests. This includes:

• Not sharing or discussing the identity of any guest
• Avoiding references to individuals seen at the shelter, even in casual conversation

You may still discuss homelessness in general or advocate for the cause — just never identify specific individuals.

Dress Code

To maintain safety and respectfulness, volunteers must:

• Wear closed‑toe shoes (sneakers or non-slip shoes recommended)
• Wear shirts with sleeves and modest necklines
• Avoid tight clothing, midriff-exposing garments, short skirts, or short shorts
• Avoid clothing with drug/alcohol or sexually suggestive content
• Tie back long hair or wear a cap

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for volunteers who:

• Enjoy hands‑on service
• Want a meaningful, high-impact way to support people experiencing homelessness
• Are comfortable in a fast‑paced kitchen environment
• Appreciate teamwork and structure

Your service helps create a safe, nourishing, and welcoming environment for guests in need.