A Community of Hope
Over 20 years ago, Wes walked through the doors of Catholic Community Services’ Hospitality Kitchen, homeless, tired and hungry. Back then, the Kitchen provided a hot meal and a short respite from the exhaustion and danger of living on the streets. Now, 20 years later, the program is much more than a place to get off the street. When guests come through the door they also find hope.
Hospitality Kitchen creates community and camaraderie through a mosaic of services, such as peer-to-peer mentoring, on-site chaplain services, and a Veterans’ outreach program. The 1,200 meals served weekdays during breakfast and lunch are lovingly prepared by dedicated volunteers with the help of staff.
Wes is now the concierge of Hospitality Kitchen and has been enthusiastically greeting each guest for 10 years. If someone is new, he shows them the map on the wall of Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood, where the Kitchen is located. He also points out the clinic to go to for health care, the building where you can apply for food stamps, and the nearby locations to find other much needed assistance. Like all the staff members, Wes knows every guest’s journey and supports it with grace and respect. “Many of the people who come to us have lost all hope,” Wes explains. “If we are going to help them find hope, we have to help them feel like they belong and are part of our community. Where there is community there is hope.”
Hospitality Kitchen has a number of volunteer opportunities available. To learn more about the program and how you can help, please click here to visit Hospitality Kitchen’s webpage
As you plan for your future, please consider remembering CCS and CHS in your will. Click here to explore how.
