Episcopal Community Services

Four work mates and I went to volunteer at this soup kitchen the other day. It was quite an eye-​opening experience…
We arrived at the agreed time and were led into the kitchen area where we were greeted by the head chef/​person in charge. He instructed us on what to do, what not to do and then we were off: prepping the salad, buttering the toast, setting the serving station and arranging the tables.
Then it was time to feed the lions. (We were helping out with the men; they strictly divide the men and and the women for meal times as well as sleeping arrangements here.) The four of us lined up behind the serving counter and each of us was assigned a task. I was in charge of portioning the pasta onto the plates.
What really struck me was that I had some totally different ideas about what a soup kitchen would look like. Seeing so many homeless people day in and day out on the streets of San Francisco, I had though this would be a much more depressing picture. But in fact, the folks that were here to get some food were all quite «presentable» and super polite. With many of these men I wondered about their life’s story… what put them into this position?
After the «feeding of the lions» we cleaned up, mopped the floors and then bid goodbye to the crew here. I understand that we only came in here once and that they are here everyday… making a difference. I hope I can come by more often…

I am so impressed with the vision and dedication that Episcopal Community Services brings to issues of homelessness and beyond in San Francisco. I was amazed as a new volunteer to learn the extent of ECS’s long-​term outreach in the city. Every day, the staff and volunteers assist hundreds of people who want help in finding housing and in getting back on their feet. The staff responds to each individual’s or family’s needs with deep understanding and experience. They operate under most of our radars, but I believe they make an enormous difference in the quality of life for all of us.

ECS is one of the most dynamic and full-​serviced in the bay area. The volunteer opportunities are great and varied for both individuals and groups. They also have a really unique CHEF’s program that teaches homeless how to prepare food and then finds them work in the food industry. Staff are caring and really good-​hearted. Highly recommend getting involved and supporting their work!