A Simple Meal, A Powerful Gesture
Posted by Catholic Charities Communications
Archdiocese of Portland,
Join us in making a difference. Volunteer to prepare and drop off meals for women experiencing homelessness at Catholic Charities Housing Transitions Program. Your home-cooked dish provides not only nourishment, but also comfort, dignity and a reminder that our community cares.
Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, around 11:30 a.m., women experiencing homelessness, or those who’ve just begun to find stable housing, gather at Catholic Charities in SE Portland for something many of us take for granted: a freshly prepared meal, served with dignity and care.
For these women, the lunch table is more than a place to eat. It’s a pause in the uncertainty of daily life, a chance to sit together, to laugh, to exhale and to be nourished—not just by food, but by community. A plate of spaghetti, a pot of chili or a tray of enchiladas becomes a tangible reminder: you matter, and you are not alone.
These meals don’t appear on their own. They are made possible because of volunteers—people just like YOU—step forward to prepare and provide them. Some cook solo, others gather friends, coworkers or family to share the load. Each dish reflects not only generosity bus also creativity and care, transforming simple ingredients into something deeply meaningful.
We are looking for volunteers to keep this tradition going strong. The commitment is straightforward:
- Cook a healthy, hearty meal for 20 women.
- Include a few vegetarian portions if you can.
- Drop it off by 11 a.m. at our SE Portland location (2740 SE Powell Blvd.), so it’s ready for the 11:30 a.m. meal services.
The kitchen on-site is limited, so meals should come fully cooked. Crockpots and microwaves are available for warming. Thing of your favorite big-batch recipe: pasta dishes, soups, casseroles, sandwiches or salads. Comfort food is always welcome here.
It may feel like a small act, but it means everything to the women who receive it. For them, your meal is more than lunch. It’s a gesture of hope, a reminder that the community sees them, values them and cares enough to show up.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a direct, immediate difference in someone’s day, this is IT! Prepare a meal. Share your gift. Help us keep the table full.
➡️Sign up to volunteer today!
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