How many people should I provide for?
During the month of November, we average 75 clients per shelter. In December, we normally get closer to 90 clients per shelter. That includes women and children, and we are usually split about half women and half children. A member of our team will follow up the week of your scheduled meal with a more exact number.

What am I signing up to do?
You are signing up to bring a meal you have either cooked or purchased and then serve it to the families in our shelters. We ask that food is at least 75% prepared when you bring it in so that you only need to assemble or warm once you arrive. When meal time starts, you will serve our clients through a line, cafeteria style.

Do you have serving utensils, plates, ice, etc.?
Yes! We have drinks, cups, utensils, plates, napkins, condiments, etc. We also have pans that go in our warming stations to keep your meal warm.

How many people do I need in my group to serve?
Two to three should cover it, but you are welcome to bring more!

Can my kids come?
Yes, but each child’s parent or guardian should also be present. Please remember this is a commercial kitchen, so you will need to keep a close eye on them.

When should I arrive?
We ask that you arrive about an hour before the meal time starts to ensure plenty of time to warm food. Lunch is served at noon, so the suggested arrival time is at 11 a.m. Dinner is served at 5 p.m., so the suggested arrival time is 4 p.m.

What are the requirements or forms needed?
We require a completed Volunteer Application for anyone who visits our shelter. This includes any children you bring with you. Forms are due 72 hours prior to visiting shelter to cderbyshire@safehaventc.org. Once your forms have been submitted and you have been made aware that you are cleared, Chelsea Derbyshire will email you the shelter address.

Can I cook my meal at the shelter?
We ask that you bring the food precooked, or at least 75% prepared. For example, you can use our kitchen to warm up items or assemble items (such as a salad), but we cannot allow you to cook from scratch on location.

Can I cater?
Absolutely! However, please be aware that even if you cater in we are still asking you to serve the meal to our clients. If you cannot serve, please let us know so we can make appropriate arrangements.

Do I have to serve?
Yes, we do ask that if you sign up to do a holiday meal that you are preparing and serving the meal. This holiday opportunity allows us to give our kitchen staff a much-deserved break to spend time with their friends and family as well.

What about cleaning up?
We have a commercial dishwasher and sanitizing station - all we ask is that you leave any items of ours in a specified and marked location. We will handle the rest!

What do I do with leftovers?
You are welcome to either leave them in our walk-in refrigerators at shelter or take them with you.