Earlier this evening, Kendrick and I headed over to the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church to volunteer at the soup kitchen, and were treated to a tour of the facilities (which include a shelter that sleeps 10-12). We talked to the wonderful people who run the soup kitchen, several of whom told me that they worked there because they themselves had been in similar situations in years past, and wanted to help others as they had been helped. 

Besides the soup kitchen, Madison Avenue Presbyterian has many other volunteer opportunities, including the Angel Tree Program, which provides presents for children whose parents are in prison, and shifts at the shelter. Of course, this is just one of countless churches around the city offering such services; I’d advise you to just stop into your local church or homeless shelter and ask what you can do to help. 

(Incidentally, I’m not affiliated with this church – or any church, for that matter – but I fully support the wonderful services that they provide to the community.)

Check out the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter for info on shelters in your area.