I don't get to volunteer much anymore, I definately had more time in high school and college, but…read morewhen I get a chance, I tend to find places which serve good causes. In Seattle, there are many that fall into that catagory, and this one stands out. Food banks are places which are more important than ever before. There are too many people in unfortuante situations. Either because of some circumstance which is out of their control, or for what ever reason, it becomes necessary to rely of the charity of others. I volunteered here, as part of Seattle Works. Like many food banks I have volunteered at, it's simple, have your energy up, a welcoming smile, and respect. This one serves tons of people, Wednesdays and Saturdays. They have two shifts, one in the morning and afternoon. If you come early, be prepaired to get to packing and sorting. Donations come from local groceries and neighborhood residents. People line up, come in, get food items, and are on their way. Simple. I always say, it's good to give back, and this place is a good way to giving back, even if you don't have money to give; give a little time, it's well worth it. Tip: There is limited parking, some just north of the location, and some 24 hours spots on the street across(south) from the fire station. Don't park at the fire station, they don't really appreciate cars blocking their station. Wear comfortable clothes, and good shoes, you'll be on your feet.

As far as food banks go, North Helpline has it down! This is one of the most organized food banks…read morewith a great deal of staff and a nice warehouse space. When I have volunteered, it has been on the Saturday morning shift, four long hours! Be prepared to stand for most of the time and for non-stop people coming through. Generally Seniors and the Disabled are in the first round of clients. It is nice that they are able to come through first without being hindered by a large crowd. This food bank generally has a great deal of fresh produce, meat and many donations from Whole Foods and other markets. It feels good passing out items that I know I don't spurge on for myself. I appreciate that the clients at the food bank can turn away items that they do not wish to take. It feels very humane that people are not put in a position that they must eat anything given to them just because they are in need. If you have some volunteer time, keep North Helpline in Lake City in mind! northhelpline.org

they try to accommodate everyone's needs whether you keep Kosher or Halal or if you have an…read moreallergy or whatever. And they are respectful as well

Super nice non judgemental people really just looking to do good in the world ...i had never been…read morebefore so i was lost they guided me thru a very easy and accommodating program. Got me thru a rough time

My wife and I recently started volunteering here. It's a great opportunity to serve the people in…read moreneed.

Pass by the Edmonds Food Bank frequently when in the area. Service days (Monday and Tuesday) the…read moreMethodist Church parking lot (where the food bank is located) is always full of patrons there to receive groceries. This is a wonderful organization that improves the quality of the community, although sometimes chaotic. I was there to pass along food items to donate. Boy, did I pick the wrong day and time. A prickly bossy woman was attempting to direct traffic. In the process she was confrontational with some of the patrons. A man unloading a truck heard the commotion she was creating and attempted to intervene. His kindness is appreciated, except for the crabby woman. (I won't call her a Lady). I don't need that kind of hassle when I'm there to participate for the community good. It's not worth the effort no matter what the price is.

This food bank turns away disabled people. The volunteers look through your personal information…read moreand see if you're somebody they want to assist based upon your general reputation: If someone knows about you and they do not like you, then foodbank volunteers will blacklist you thus denying services. That's what happened when one food bank volunteer named Lester told me that the Edmonds Food Bank could not help. Lester represents the insular types in Edmonds who automatically makes snap judgements about people. Even though he works at a food bank, Lester thinks he's the gatekeeper who has the right to deny people their basic needs. He gaslit me with some lame excuse about not having any drivers for drop off delivery because it's outside their service area. I knew he was untruthful because the food bank is less than a ten minute drive from my location. It's people like Lester whose reinforce the snobbish behavior that belies the cruel indifference of people at the Edmonds Food Bank.

Pathways for Women YWCA is a fantastic non-profit that helps out women and families, especially…read morethose of color, to fight racism, give job training, provide housing, and improve health. I learned this holiday season that Pathways has a program where one is able to sponsor a family that they are helping out. I adopted a single mother and her two children and provided their Christmas this year. Sign up and support this very worthy cause by contacting Vicki Von Stubbe at 425-258-2766 x150.

Unfortunately about 99 percent of the people working for housing hope are incompetent, couldn't…read morecare less about the mission statement, and are far from philanthropic. They don't communicate with residents are even each other. They are constantly late for appointments if they even show up at all, they don't respond to phone calls, emails or requests. I was never informed of all the great programs, employment opportunities and classes they brag about online. If you are going to live in one of their units I would definitely suggest saving all of your rent receipts because they're constantly losing rent checks or not entering it into the computer. I was overcharged rent on three separate occasions and never credited back the amount I was owed in the computer so they tried to say that I owed rent from years prior, even when having a rent receipt from their office signed by them. They charge everyone for a mandatory "carpet cleaning" fee when they never clean the carpets or replace them. They constantly have you put different dates on paperwork when signing and they never get it right the first time. A lot of the management is very rude especially Janet rainwater. I've heard her tell people that they can go back to "living in their car" or "can be homeless again". They know that people living in housing hope units have nowhere else to go and they take advantage of that fact and abuse it. There is a rare few people working for them that do care but for the most part they're incompetent and to say management is a shit show is a great understatement.

I spent about 6 years with Housing Hopes, housing program. I Should have stayed until I was done…read morewith school, but nonetheless they were nothing short of amazing. They went above and beyond to help my family. I got certificates that were helpful with everyday life challenges, as a low income mother, among other helpful classes. I also received training with Ground Works landscaping, and got hired on. Housing Hope staff helped me with focusing on what I needed to, for my future.They help me through some of my darkest days; I will never forget those who helped me.

The Ronald McDonald House in Seattle is a great place to stay, the staff is amazing, and the rules…read morein the house are fair. The food is really good, the privacy and the rooms very nice.

Wonderfully equipped house. We are here in Seattle from Arizona for my son's bone marrow transplant…read moreand Seattle Childrens. They have separate apartments for after discharge from the BMT unit. For standard housing the have rooms that sleep either 3 or 6 (large room so it's crowded but doable). Communal areas are clean and well maintained with helpful volunteers who do a good job keeping things clean. So grateful for Ronald McDonald house

Fraternal Order of Eagles /F.O.E. charitable organization originally founded in Seattle - Mother…read moreAerie #1. This is the 2,888 Aerie. Friendly people with a great bar, pool tables, outdoor smoking area, lottery, & pulltabs. Affordable membership & drinks. Great rental venue for parties & dances to the public!

Very good food and good prices and good service and friendly staff hard working having fun at itread more