University Street Ministry has operated since 1986 as a response to the needs of homeless and displaced youth of Seattle's University District. USM brings together the civic community and people of all faith traditions in committed service to street youth and their futures. We provide meals and advocacy for the youth.

Description:
Teen Feed offers nutritious dinners to homeless youth, Sunday through Thursday. We are open to all youth who are 25 or younger, and ask only that they follow some very basic conduct expectations while in our program. Our attendance fluctuates with the season, but we generally receive 45-50 guests each evening. Teen Feed would not be possible without the commitment and compassion of our 250-plus volunteers. We have 25 volunteer food teams, who each take responsibility for providing one meal a month. They are the hands of our program - without their generosity, we wouldn't exist. Advocates are the heart of our program - trained volunteers who are present to get to know our guests, and offer a supportive listening presence. In addition to meals, we offer clothing donations, hygiene products, books, access to free health care, and outreach case management to assist youth in transitioning off the streets.

History:
In 1989, the UW Medical Center noticed that the majority of street youth accessing their emergency room were severely malnourished. The community responded, and Teen Feed was born. In those early days, the University District street culture was at its peak, and we received up to 150 guests a night! These days, the Ave is a different place, and we count on seeing 40-50 guests each evening.

Contact people:

Eric Wirkman, Teen Feed Coordinator, (phone), (email) Megan Gibbard, Executive Director, (email)

Office fax number: (206) 522-3043

Address:

4740-B University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105 This location is handicap accessible (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.universitystreetministry.org

Directions:

Our office is located at 4740-B University Way NE, just north of 47th and University Way. We are located above the Disadvantaged Workers of America office and across the street from Smokin' Dick's BBQ. Teen Feed is hosted out of. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 48, 2 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	Yes
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	Yes
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes

Overall Experience   
The most interesting dinner I've ever had.

I worked for City Year and through them I was directed to Teen Feed. Being raised in the West, but growing up in the Midwest, I never had day to day contact with the homeless population. When I signed up to volunteer with Teen Feed, I wasn't sure of what I was getting myself into. But Tele made it easy and more comfortable by letting me know that I was doing ok and by telling me that above all, I was there to listen to those who needed to talk. I learned a lot about people in general and how it doesn't really matter who you are or where you came from, because at the very bottom of it all, we are human. And if that's the only thing we have in common, then let that be the thing that will bind us all together. I'm glad I participated in the program and I hope that anyone else who might volunteer takes the time to listen to what's actually going on around them when they have dinner with one of the great young people. posted by modestmouse on July 14, 2004

Overall Experience   
The kids that have talked to me have lived harder lifes then i can ever imgine, it seems as though they had to grow up so fast, and talking with them, listening to parts of they're life... when they open up it's amazing what life has thrown at them and all the different reasons they attend teen feed.

They taught me a lot about my life, I'll ever forget anyone that attends and talks with me the nights I'm there. It's nothing you would could ever learn from your parents or from a book, but they bring real raw stories of their life which makes you appreciate what you have. posted by teabag on November 6, 2002