Outreach / Inreach Volunteer

STOP (Street Talk Outreach Program) volunteers power the strong relationships at the core of the Teen Feed mission, and are the passionate, empathetic, and mature community members often the very first point of contact with Teen Feed’s young people. Our STOP Program is divided into two different roles: Outreach & In-Reach.

Outreach: Direct service teams who work to meet youth and young adults with housing insecurities in the streets, alleyways, and parks of Seattle's University District and surrounding Seattle areas. Meeting youth where they are in order to provide information about services and basic needs items.

In-Reach: Teen Feed’s version of “drop-in,” Inreach volunteers help facilitate a welcoming space for youth to hang out before Teen Feed’s dinner service. Meeting youth “where they are,” this time and space is for youth to use however they choose, with the support of In-Reach volunteers to help maintain a safe space. Our programming at Inreach rotates often, but is typically based on skill development for our youth.

As a STOP volunteer you have the choice to be involved in either one or both roles, and shifts for both roles start during standard business hours. STOP volunteers will ideally commit to twelve months with Teen Feed and receive both virtual and in-person training. STOP volunteers are important members of our direct service teams, and function as trusted adult figures for the youth and young adults that we serve. All individuals are encouraged to inquire.

The ideal outreach volunteer looks like someone who...

• Is patient, consistent, reliable, and positive
• Believes in harm reduction principles and “meeting people where they are”
• Values the power of positive relationship and reliable support networks
• Is self-motivated and passionate about supporting the houseless members of our community
• Has interest in community health, or is a citizen concerned with general wellness, nutrition and active volunteerism
• Is interested in committing a minimum of 6 months to volunteering with Teen Feed
• Is comfortable with carrying a backpack weighing up to 25 pounds while walking for up to 2 or 3 miles. **If you need accommodations, please let us know.