What an amazing and rewarding experience this was!! I had been wanting to volunteer to help out the…read morehomeless and i wanted to find the right organization. I went on Google and started doing some research when I came across Food on Foot. Wow. Before I even signed up, I knew that this was something to look forward to. This organization not only gives food to the homeless, but they really work with them to help them with housing and finding jobs. We even got to hear from former people who used to be homeless--they are called 'Graduates'. Their stories and their energy prove that this is such an impactful organization and everyone deserves to know about it and help out. It is $20 to donate, but you actually can see where your money is going. The staff were very informative and friendly. I had an amazing first experience and I will be volunteering a lot more often with Food on Foot.

I used to go to Food on Foot for many years. Everything was great with the food part and most of…read morethe volunteers(always one bad apple in a bunch). But the clothes on the ground were absolutely degrading and uncivilized. Like a slap in the face for any down and out person or anyone for that matter. Who picks up anything up off the ground unless it's trash to throw away. And some of the clothes were very beautiful. Many are seniors and or disabled and can't bend down either. I sure hope they did something about that clothing, shoes, etc. Tables would solve the problem. So depressing to experience a line of food, smiles and hope just to come to the end of the line to see clothes on the ground reminding people how bad it really is(some go back to tents on the ground, etc). Lines and the wait is very long so if you can't stand for long periods(like myself) - bring a rollator walker to sit on.

What can I say other thank thank you, y'all helped me in so many ways back in my days from writing…read morea resume n helping change my bad habits. Happy n glad y'all are still going strong n helping the homeless youth n I hope they appreciate all you guys do for them in the long run

Here's a dirty secret about Hollywood: it ain't really all that glamorous…read more I mean, sure--there are the premieres and the clubs. Some overpriced restaurants. But behind all of the glitzy glam, there's a lot more to see. A part of that is youth homelessness. There are 10,000 homeless youth living in Los Angeles. My Friend's Place helps about 1,800 of them per year; gives them food, a safe place to be during the day, educational opportunities, and case management. They're truly grassroots--100% privately funded, run by a dedicated group of folks, many of whom have been there for many, many years. It's one of those hidden-gem organizations that more folks should know about. They do incredible work with limited resources. Check 'em out and get involved!

We had our team building outing here and this was definitely something everyone should experience…read moreand you feel great about it after. First off, it's for a good cause and preparing meals for distribution to those in need throughout Los Angeles. Over the last year, Oour Big Kitchen put together 335 cooking sessions, with each session making 300 meals. They got over 17,000 volunteers involved and helped feed 105,000 people in need. I must say, this is an amazing place and the experience was one of the best. Upon arrival, I was greeted at the door by one of the staff members and she directed me to sign in and grab an apron. They provided waters and red vines for snacks. The place was a spacious area with metal tables with cooking ingredients on them. They believe in cleanliness, so sanitizer, gloves and hairnets were provided on site. We began making gnocchi while they prepared the chickpea tomatoes ragu and fresh vegetables. We prepared the containers, packaged the food and made lemon sugar cookies (pay it forward with a sugar cookie. Give the package to someone within 48 hours to make their day), all while playing a variety of music to keep the energy going. They gave us their story, mission statement and a tour of their kitchen. The equipment they use to prepare the meals are top notch and used by 5 star restaurants. We were all impressed by the icombi pro oven. Overall, we had a great time and I would highly recommend anyone to check out Our Big Kitchen and volunteer. Check out their website, sign up to volunteer and you can even take your kids. This is a great cause! Thank you for the opportunity to be part of something great! 5 out of 5 Afros OOOOO

Some friends celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary here and invited about 100 of us to Our Big…read moreKitchen to cook meals for those in need. The organization from check-in to food preparation was astounding! There is complimentary valet parking in front. Aprons, gloves, and hairnets were provided for those not wearing baseball caps, plenty of explanations about the kitchen and purpose before we started. Hygiene between preparation was strictly adhered to, as well as safety protocols for the kids under a certain age. I love the use of fresh healthy ingredients to feed others with love and joy. Several volunteers helped set up so the stations by sanitizing and explaining, with all the equipment ready to go, like scoops for the meatballs, and knives for the vegetables. They literally cooked the meals during our volunteer time of 2 hours, we packaged 300 meals, with cookies we also made (and got to taste). The meals were picked up by local organizations to be delivered warm within an hour of us completing them. All the food is kosher and they buy all the fresh ingredients so the quality is beyond reproach. The care and community spirit were incredible, and I would highly recommend either hosting an event or simply volunteering!

Monday Night Mission is a group that feed the homeless on Skid Row. They initially started off by…read morefeeding the homeless on Monday nights and now go to feed the homeless Monday through Friday night. Monday Night Mission began as a group formed by Mel T. The group posts via facebook daily when they will meet, the time and place they gather. While they do not ask for donations, they are always readily accepted. The times that I went, a beautiful group of Sikh's brought food to feed the homeless. The group begins by meeting in a parking lot at a Burger King on the corner of Ceasar Chavez and Grand. There, sandwiches are prepared and organized. About an hour later, Mel T. holds a group meeting and offers information and instructions. There are people who are regulars and he appoints them specific duties. Everyone carpools down to Skid Row and parks on the street. Tables are set up and the feeding begins. It's all fairly organized. Afterwards, if there is any food left, the regulars will take a group into the Midnight Mission and distribute the food there. When it's all over, everyone goes back to Burger King (where permission is granted to leave cars there without fear of them being towed away) and there's a quick debriefing and a photo is taken of that night's group. I've met some pretty wonderful people volunteering with this group. I left for personal reasons. Anyone going should be made aware that you're going into skid row late at night, and not everyone will be happy to see you. You might make some connection with the homeless, but only if you're a regular. I want to be able to serve the homeless still, but on a safer level and to a greater capacity then just waiting in the back of a line to be called up to hand someone food for 5 minutes. In January of 2013 there was a drug resistant strain of TB that broke out among the homeless population in downtown Los Angeles. I don't know how the breakout is doing now, but it's good to be aware of what exposure you're up against. Also, Mel T. will let you know that you're going into "the most dangerous part of the country, not far from crack alley, shootings and stabbings are common". You have been warned. I believe in acts of kindness towards others, I believe in not passing judgement, and I also believe in my own safety. My two star rating stands, and while I don't want to discourage anyone ever from volunteering to help the homeless in downtown Los Angeles I do believe that there are better ways.

What a life changing and eye opening experience. I've never volunteered much in my life but…read morerecently I looked into finding a place to do some goodwill and Monday night missions came up in my yelp search. You need to connect with the group on Facebook and let them know you are coming. They meet at 7:30 pm. I met some friendly and interesting people during the sandwich making. Mel had a meeting in the parking lot letting everyone know how it was going to be when we got to Skid Row. There are strict rules to follow for your own safety so please pay attention. I never felt in danger at any time and was quite amazed at the people I saw skid row. They had genuine smiles on their faces, good manners and a lot, not all, appeared healthy looking. Some were young and if you didn't see them on skid row you would never know they were homeless. The people on skid row still have their souls and it was beautiful to witness and I couldn't help but think of the Bible verse "so the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. The people on skid row were not hungry for food or greedy. They're just people that need shelter, a shower and someone to lean on. Monday Night Mission is doing something to make the world a better place and hopefully I'll be a better person after my experience on skid row tonight. Mel can be harsh with his words but I'll take that any day over someone who might not have his passion. He is clearly dedicated and is fighting for a good cause.

I definitely believe they are doing very good and much needed work here…read more I came here to donate two large bags of clothes. I wanted to ensure the clothes would get to someone who needed them as a lot of other places either sell the clothes or they get thrown out. I had not realized looking at the address I would be going to the skid row area, but that is indeed where people are in need. I was caught a little off guard by the severity of the unfortunate surrounding the building and gathering around the front desk inside. However, I was immensely impressed with how the employees handled each and every person. With patience and kindness, even laughs where appropriate. This center is truly doing the Lord's work. The process for donating was very easy, and based on what I witnessed during my short wait, ladies who could use the items would definitely get them. Now, due to disability I am a non driver and use Uber. I Ubered here with no issues, however Ubering back was challenging as the first two Ubers apparently rolled up and before I could make my way down the walkway (meaning the driver didn't see me straight away) they took off without waiting the required two minutes. I can only assume because there are quite a few mentally ill and homeless hanging around the building. Uber's problem, not the center's and it was handled with them. Just wanted to throw that out there for anyone else that may use ride services to come donate here. Overall, I definitely appreciate the hard work this center is doing and will continue to donate here be it clothing, food or financially in the future.

I think that somebody needs to look into this organization seriously I would not volunteer there…read moreagain the kitchen staff was terrible to these women the actual I would say educated staff members who work at the front desk were not only disheartening and rude to these women with severe trauma but just the greed that I saw with donations and attitudes and the dignity people I'm deserve this year will not be volunteering over there there are many more organizations that deserve more time and More Love not a positive place for women it really felt more institutionalized

I love this place. There are many worthy charities in LA, but this one is by far my favorite. The…read morestaff are all very welcoming and friendly, the administration is dedicated, and they all share a passion for helping those in need. They have built a community of more than just great volunteers, but also of the ones they serve. They greet them by name, know their stories and treat them with dignity and respect day in and day out, even when no one is watching. If you're looking for a great place to be a part of, I highly recommend coming here. The joy is infectious and I always leave with a smile on my face.

***This a message for those intending to volunteer with the St. Francis Center (DTLA), it's lengthy…read morebut worth the read*** This is nothing but an advisory service for those considering to volunteer with DTLA St. Francis mission. I wish not to deter or negate the intentions of the entire organization based on the actions of a few. There are genuinely good people and purpose being performed within this organization. With that said, I was recently dismissed from being able to volunteer with this mission. You might be asking yourself, how does one possibly get fired from a volunteer position that they signed up for? In my instance, it had nothing to do with my work ethic, timeliness, or understanding of the tasks at hand. (We were distributing food and clothing to the locals in need, absolutely not a complex concept whatsoever.) However, during my short stint volunteering with St. Francis I realized quickly that the management was somewhat dismissive of new volunteers which was masked as being overworked and overburdened. In most cases, running such a huge operation which can effect an entire communities functionality would be understandable. Unfortunately, I was personally met with this attitude and energy regularly. Despite that being the case, that didn't stop my enthusiasm or willingness to work diligently in order to positively impact the lives of those in need. I chose St. Francis for a reason, regardless of the circumstances of the people they serve they do so with seemingly compassionate intent. Unfortunately for me, an ill-timed joke made an organization possibly question the morality of their normalized "business" practices. Just days into my experience, I made a comment about some of the employees picking out donated items for their own personal use. In this realm of work, I'm completely aware that this is a common (and unspoken) practice amongst a plethora of donation organizations. It's shitty and in bad taste but it happens. Personally, it's not a big deal to me, it doesn't effect my well-being or sleep at night. My comments (which were in pure joking spirit and I thought were harmless) must have been overheard because I was approached by the director of the volunteer department. I was told by this person that the employees at the mission were allowed first dibs at the clothing, apparel, and miscellaneous items donated to the organization, to which I replied simply "I don't care." Said leader responded, "It sounded like you did, it would be better you not say anything at all." Shameless, nasty, rude. I completed my responsibilities, helped clean the areas I was assigned to and continued about my day proud of my participation with St. Francis Center. Sadly, later that afternoon I received an email claiming that I was 'not a good fit' at the mission and that I would no longer be allowed to volunteer with the organization. Initially confused and somewhat disappointed, I went on to laugh and laugh about the ridiculous circumstances bestowed upon me. The dismissal of my services from St. Francis Center won't hinder me from helping this particular part of town or community. (Mind you, there are a multitude of other organizations in the same area that do similar work and are seemingly more inviting, it can all be considered subjectively.) Regardless of my personal experience St. Francis' mission is genuine. Just be aware that those in positions of power in regards to their volunteer department may have some tyrannical and not so pleasant traits that rear their ugly heads from time to time. Do the work for yourself if you choose to volunteer here, in the end, righteousness will always prevail. God bless.

Due to the Covid Pandemic, many places aren't taking any donations, and was glad to find out that…read morethe Union Rescue Mission was open and accepting donations. I sent an email and received a response in less than three days. Their dock is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. and closed for lunch from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. My husband and I drove down here the week before Thanksgiving to donate clothes, diapers, and baby clothes. The process was easy! When we arrived there was already one truck in the dock, which is fine because we were able to back into the next available spot. My husband unloaded our donated items and we were off. We didn't receive a "receipt" for tax purposes but didn't care because it was more fulfilling to bless others than to receive something in return. Overall, it was a nice, easy, and fast experience. Will look to volunteer here in the future

Have donated my childrens books to this company.they seem very friendly and nice.am coming to meet…read morethem in september MG Author of childrens books

Went smoothly and quick thank you!!! The guy in there was super helpful by helping me take out bags…read moreof clothes :)

Anonymous - October26,2026 Monday The Midnight Mission needs a standard menu Monday through…read moreSaturday like baked chicken meat loaf/ Chinese food/sandwich day/ fried fish w bottle water so on and so on the desert are fine