Posted Jan 8, 2022 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Several of our cooks who cook regularly have been quarantined due to Covid in their family. If you could help out at this time it would be wonderful. Check what dates are good for you. Stay healthy!! Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Jan 3, 2022 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Thankful for the better weather, but if you had to stay out in 40 degree weather it is still cold especially if you are hungry. If you know of family or friends who like to cook send them this email, see if they would like to share their good fortune with others by signing up. Thanks for all you do for our shelters. It is a matter of Love, care and compassion. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team 316-836-0722
SharePosted Jan 1, 2022 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Many new year resolutions or goals are being made right now. I just hope the year brings you many blessing and good health. Stay close to family and friends they are important. Maybe make some new friends or be a friend to someone even if you don't know them personally. You have a purpose on this earth that only you can do, you are unique and have a roll to play in each others lives. Thanks for including us in your life and being a part of our Meal Train. Maybe make a resolution of cooking a meal monthly, weekly whatever works for you. Enjoy this new Year! Stay well and be safe. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Dec 26, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Thank you for your generosity for all the food you have made for our Meal Trains. You have fed the poor and lightened their load and ours. May you all enjoy the holidays and stay safe while doing so. The first "Outpost Safe Stay Community" opened on the 23rd, just in time for Christmas. We look forward to even more good things developing as we go along. Thanks for all your support of our journey to helping the homeless and unhoused. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
Posted Dec 25, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Happy Holidays! One more thing to announce! With the opening of the Outpost, we now have a few locations that are needing your Community Cook supports! So we have expanded our Meal Train options. We took it pro account and now have a neat landing page to direct you to the right spot. https://mealtrain.com/outsidersinn is our new group landing page to enter into the various locations. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/mq4127 is the new direct link to the Outpost Meal Train where we are organizing to serve 20 meals (that number will go higher soon) that need to be ready to eat or serve. Thank you for ALL you do to help make our meal times warm and merry! Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Dec 24, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
This is the season to remember all the fond memories we have from over the previous years. Please enjoy this season of LOVE. Many good things have happened, like the opening of the first "Outpost Safe Stay Village" in Vancouver. So keep the good things coming. Stay safe and have a joyous holiday season. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Nov 24, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Just wanted to say a big "Thank you" for all you do for our shelters. Without you it would be impossible to do what we do. You are making the world a better place. We pray that you have a wonderful meal and many good memories of family times together. The month of November is fully filled in, so December is next and a lot of it is filled in also, but we still have a few that need to be filled. Please, check December out. We appreciate you taking time to help those less fortunate to enjoy the holidays. Keep up the great work of being God's hands in the world. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Nov 20, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
We appreciated her leadership and help. She was a blessing to the homeless and it was her passion to give of her time, especially through the All Saints Episcopal Church community and our meal train. Whether it was cooking or helping her community with mediation, as she was a retired attorney. She will be missed. Keep her family in your prayers. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team 316-836-0722
SharePosted Nov 19, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Thank you everyone for your support of our shelters in Vancouver. Right now this meal train is supporting, St. Paul's Lutheran (27 people), Immanuel Lutheran(18 people) and River City Church (18 people). This is time for the rainy season, we need the rain to supply our water though. But for the homeless it also brings a time for worry and needed support to stay dry. Check over and see what day would be good for you to give thanks for all you have by cooking a meal for those less fortunate. This last week, we had a past resident of St Paul's shelter, show that he had made it through the tough times and wanted to share with the guys at the shelter that it is possible, don't give up he says. He has a roof over his head and has a wonderful wife to be his soulmate. He cooked his mom's favorite pasta meal and the guys loved it. So what we are doing here is worth it, it is working with your help and support. So pat yourself on the back and know that your effort is appreciated and needed. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Nov 5, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
It is that time of year again to turn back the clocks. UGH! The days will be getting darker again soon. We are adding another Shelter to our meal Train, Immanuel Lutheran Satellite Overflow Shelter (SOS), located at 8310 MacArthur Blvd at Lieser Rd in Vancouver. They shelter only 15 people at a time. What is different they shelter, men, women and children as well as pets. So our needs here are a little different. From November 17th to the middle of March on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during the winter time is our schedule for the Satellite Overflow Shelter (SOS). If you'd like to help out here we will have the spots listed on the calendar soon. When you sign up for Immanuel I'll send you an email to introduce you to the delivery specifications for that location. If you have any question please feel free to call me at 316-836-0722 on my mobile, if I don't have the answer I'll find it out and get back with you. Sincerely, Laurene Meal Coordinator and Outsiders Inn Team 316-836-0722
SharePosted Oct 23, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
November is close at hand. That is when it gets colder and more rain. That is when all of the churches are after volunteers to cook a good hot meal for those needing help. So please check out our calendar and see what day works for you. We appreciate if it is just once a month, 2 times a month, we have some that do more (weekly) and we thank you all very much for your time, effort and support. I had a call today from a gentleman that wants to cook some meals for St Paul's Shelter. He said, that is the area that he was living in when he was homeless. He said he was helped and now he has a home, a wife and many blessings and he want to give back and show others that they can do better things with their lives when given the opportunity. Mayor Ann has been a big supporter of our efforts, she has cooked wonderful meals for the guys at our shelter. So no one is too busy to contribute if the passion is there. She has the passion to make things happen for those less fortunate. So thank you everybody for helping us provide a path for these men and doing God's handy work. Good Karma brings good Karma, so keep it going. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
Posted Oct 10, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Ghosts and Goblins for this time of year bring times of fun and maybe scary things to enjoy. What are your favorite things to enjoy about Halloween. I like popcorn balls, Carmel apples and candy corn. Let's get in the mood to surprise and have fun with good things to eat and good memories to make. Is there a day that works for you to supply a meal to St Paul's Shelter? Check out our schedule and see.
SharePosted Sep 24, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
So lets enjoy the weather we have now. Not much left of September but we need a few spots filled to complete the month. If you could help, we'd appreciate it. See what day would work for you. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Sep 13, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Yesterday was Grandparents Day - "Happy Grandparents day everyone", who knows the love of a Grandchild. They love Grandma's cooking. So do our guys at the shelter. What is your specialty, mine is potato salad and camping out food. Check and see if you can cook your specialty items, for our guys this month. We'd love to hear from you. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Sep 2, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
September is a great month, little cooler weather and falling leaves. I love the smell of gathering fall leaves, just not in my gutters. I hope you can help with a meal or two this month. If you can cook but do not have it in your budget for the food. We have donated food items in our pantry that you can have to fix the food. Let us know if this helps. Sincerely, Laurene and the Outsiders Inn Team 316-836-0722
SharePosted Aug 31, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Thursdays are spoken for, what day looks best for you to cook a meal? We appreciate every thing you do for us at St Paul's Shelter. Blessings for those that feed the hungry. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Aug 26, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Who would like to volunteer for Friday? It is a lot easier to cook in the cooler weather, then in the hot steamy weather, when you don't have central air conditioning like me. We are off to a new month, September. Most of Thursdays are taken but try a different day. Blessing to you all, stay safe. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Aug 17, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
We have had several of our cooks out ill this week. If you could check out what day would work for you to cook a meal we'd appreciate it. Lots of people sick right now. I have two sisters and brother-in-law sick with COVID (they don't live near here). My husband just got out of hospital also, so if you could help with a meal I'd appreciate it, prayers needed too. Have a blessed day. Laurene - meal coordinator
SharePosted Aug 13, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
When you sign up for a meal, no need to have exactly what you are serving at that time since it may be far in advance; you can put TBD (To Be Determined). But, so others know what is going to be served please make sure to fill in what is going to be the meal before you serve it that day. That way we know what has been served so as not to repeat it to often. Please check out what day is good for you to support St Paul's Shelter by planning a meal. Sincerely, Laurene Meal Coordinator
SharePosted Aug 6, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
The summer is moving along. We have had some wonderful meals from our cooks and volunteers. we appreciate all that you have made. Here is a shot of one of our meals that we have enjoyed. Look at our calendar and check out what date would work for you to cook us a meal. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
Posted Jul 21, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Which Friday would work for you, July 23rd or July 30th. Only two days left to fill for the month of July. We have the calendar till December if another date works for you. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Jul 19, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
We need cooks for the 20th, 21st, 23rd, 26th, 27th and 30th. If you could help, it would be appreciated. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Jul 17, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
We have expanded our months up to December 31st. See what day works best for you. For July we have six days left to fill. We appreciate what day works for you. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Jul 14, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
I have added August and September to the calendar. See what date is good for you. We appreciate what all you do and can do. The "WHO" has been at this for 20+ yrs, you are a committed bunch of people. Thank you again for your help and assistance. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team at St Paul's Shelter
SharePosted Jul 7, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
We have just hit 100 people that have signed up to be volunteer cooks for St Paul's Shelter. YAY!!! That makes it not as laborious for everyone if everyone takes a turn. We have several cooks who do it weekly, for those we thank you, but we don't want to burn you out either. We appreciate all you do. So, if you have any friends who would like to contribute their time and talent for cooking let them know about Outsiders Inn Meal Train at St Paul's men shelter. We are open all year long now due to the need and virus concerns. So, help us out if you can by sending them an invite for this meal train. The link should be at the bottom of this letter. Let’s hit the next level of volunteers 125. Sincerely, Laurene and Outsiders Inn Team PS A quote from our staff," Chicken enchiladas, Chili Relleno casserole, extremely juicy watermelon and cherry chip cake. Omg I can't remember which church, but they come every Thursday now! Deliciousness thank you".
Posted Jun 11, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Yay, it's raining outside, we need the rain and volunteer cooks for St Paul's shelter. Thank you for your support of St Paul's Shelter. We just have a few spots open in this month of June. See what date works for you. Sincerely, Laurene and the Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted May 20, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Please check your calendar to see if you can cook a meal for St. Paul's Shelter. We have 25 men and 2 staff that love what you cook. Sincerely, Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted May 16, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Thanks for all your help and support for St Paul's Shelter Meal Train. You have supplied many a great hot meal for our guys. They appreciate it and so do we at Outsiders Inn. Now the days are getting hotter, so cold things are in trend; like pasta salads, potato salads, sandwiches, coleslaw you name it. Hot meals are still good though like mac and cheese, or themed meals like Mexican, Italian, Southern cooking style or pretend we are on a picnic lunch. We are lucky to have chefs and cooks with adjustable recipes, like "Spend with Pennies" give it a try to get some crowd pleaser meals or just let us enjoy your family favorites. We appreciate what you like to cook, see what day works out for you on our calendar. Sincerely, Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Apr 28, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Thank you all, for helping during the winter hospitality season. But we are continuing to serve due to the need and - because of COVID. We have had many wonderful people who just love to help where they are needed. If you like to cook please help fill in the dates that are available (green). Share your talents with those less fortunate. Show how you are grateful for your life and good fortune by doing a meal for St Paul's Shelter. If you don't have certain ingredients check out our pantry for help in filling out a menu. We appreciate whatever you can do. Sincerely, Laurene - Outsiders Inn Food Coordinator
SharePosted Apr 17, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Due to a new organization, Outsiders Inn, we are keeping St. Paul's shelter open all year. But only with your help. We need volunteers to cook a meal for 25-27 meals each day. If you can help please sign up for a day. We only need 365 people to volunteer; we have 81 so far. Can you help by volunteering for a day? Look over the days and see what would work for you. This will be your part of "feeding the hungry" and it is true that "many hands make light work". Thanks for your consideration and compassion for those less fortunate. We helped 300 men this last year and helped 40 gain housing. You helped with this by supplying a meal. We appreciate whatever you can do to further our mission. The Outsiders Inn Team
SharePosted Apr 10, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Please find time in your schedule to make a meal for our 25 clients. With your help we served 9100 meals this last year. But we are not stopping; we want to help more people. We served 300 men and helped find housing for 40 of them; with your continued support we will do more. Join us if you will, by clicking on our website and signing up. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/04435v/ Thanks, Outsiders Inn at St Paul's Shelter
SharePosted Apr 2, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Hi Volunteer Cooks, Chefs, restaurants, bakeries, and church organizations, We just wanted to say thank you, for all you have done to keep our unhoused clients, with food and supplies during this last year. You have had to fight through, RAIN (lol), then SNOW 9-12 inches, SICKNESS and COVID-19 pandemic. You didn’t let us down, for this we owe a debt of gratitude. Pat yourself on the back. We are working things different this year due to Covid-19. We are going to keep St Paul’s Shelter open all year. Not just during the winter months due in part to a new organization willing to take the part of underwriting the activities at St Paul’s Shelter; it's called OUTSIDERS INN. So, we hope that you will join us again to see what acts of kindness (making your favorite meals) can achieve when you have a higher mission in mind. Outsiders Inn Mission: To lift people out of homelessness through advocacy, support and resources, while serving the community with integrity, transparency and respect. Here is just a little bit of the results that your work (meals and supplies) has done to help move people’s lives forward during these tough times. 1. In the last year we have served over 300 men. 2. Around 40 men have went into some type of housing 3. Our meal train has served 9100 dinners, and 5100 sack lunches 4. The satellite shelter served 87 people that culminated in 1350 dinners served So again, thank you for joining our effort to be God’s hands within our community. We need your help to keep moving forward through the whole year not just the wintertime. So please sign up when you can to prepare a home cooked meal or purchase through a restaurant. You can connect through the link at the bottom of the page. Sincerely, Our Team at Outsiders Inn
SharePosted Feb 15, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Hi Cooks and Chefs, For when the snow flies and we need to make quick decisions for the food for the Shelter. Please give us your phone number so we can make arrangements as needed. Hope you're staying safe in your home and that Valentines day was a memorable one. Take care, Hope to be able to work together on this. Laurene - meal coordinator 316-836-0722 ( I was from Kansas! )
SharePosted Jan 4, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Hi Cooks and Chefs, Since we have a new year and because we have new cooks and Chefs, here are some rules to go by. We have several Shelters in Vancouver to help our un-housed get through the cold and wet winters. St Paul’s Lutheran church is strictly for men, we house basically 25 people during Covid 19 enforcement. We want a complete meal containing protein, vegetable and starch. It can be in a soup, casserole or each separate items. If you want to go further and provide a dessert, salad, cookies, the more the merrier. We appreciate whatever your budget allows. As for those wanting to help the hungry and un-housed with food and supplies. Here is a way to “pay it forward” by signing up for our MealTrain at: https://mealtrain.com/04435v this meal train serves St Paul’s Lutheran Church at 1309 Franklin St, Vancouver, WA 98660 @ 14th St in Downtown Vancouver. When you sign up you will be asked for your email so we can send a friendly reminder one week from the day you signed up for and one email sent the day before your assigned time, giving you plenty of time to adjust your schedule. We also have a food pantry that can help you fill out your meal if needed. So, let us know what you may be needing or if you want to contribute to our food pantry in any way, let us know. We don’t have a stove for cooking, we only have a microwave for reheating. So, that is why we ask for it to be cooked and ready to serve. The hours to drop off the food is 6pm, in the alley where it says, “pastor’s parking”. It is on W 14th St, near the voting ballot box area in the street. (map of church) If you want the pans back let us know when you deliver it. Best if you can put your name on it, with masking tape or permanent marker. You can pick them up the next day between 5:45 to 6:15pm. Again, thanks for all your help in feeding the needy in our community. If you know someone else that loves to cook let them know about our mealtrain service. Love and blessings for the coming New Year, Laurene
Posted Jan 1, 2021 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
We have had both men and women sign up to create some wonderful meals for our St Paul's Shelter. Glad to see a representation from both genders, let's keep it going. If you have friends that like to cook tell them about a way to "pay it forward". Let us make 2021 special by using your God given talents to help others. Sincerely, Laurene G.
SharePosted Dec 31, 2020 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Thank you for your enduring support for 2020. We made it through - Yay!!! We are off to a good start for the coming New Year of 2021. If you are into making and keeping resolutions, may I suggest that you help feed the un-housed people right here in your city of Vancouver? Maybe choose once or twice a month to share your desires for food and creativity. It is a good way to share your blessings and favorite recipes with others. Take the lead from our favorite Mayor of Vancouver, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, as she has made wonderful meals for our meal train too. She doesn't just talk, she walks the walk with giving and showing leadership. We might say that there was also great tasting, hearty food along the way as well! So please join our volunteer cooks and sign up to show how your talents can make a difference in others’ lives. If you have friends with generous hearts let them know our need for cooks and delicious food, the more the merrier!! Sincerely, Laurene G. - Meal Coordinator
SharePosted Dec 14, 2020 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Hi Everyone, I just wanted to introduce myself to you as the new Meals Coordinator. My name is Laurene Gast. I have volunteered to cook just like you. So, I know what you go through to provide a nourishing meal to help feed God's unhoused. Thank you for your unwavering gifts of kindness to help provide a warm nourishing meal to those we serve. We have many volunteers, and we want to make the most of what talents you have to do God’s work; as we are God’s hands and feet in the world today. Thank you for joining with us to do positive work in these trying times; we can do it when we join together. Now to help me learn more about who YOU are...I will be sending you an email outside of this system with a link to follow to a form so you can provide me some information about you and how you engage in our Meal Train and how I can support you better. As they say “many hands make light work”. Thanks again for your time and talent, let us see what we can do to be the light in the world. Sincerely, Laurene Gast – 316-836-0722 mobile phone or text me with any questions
SharePosted Sep 8, 2020 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Thank you all so very much for all your generous blessings to Outsiders Inn! The men love all the meals that fill them up, either for dinner or sack lunches. This section won’t allow for more pictures! However, please follow Outsiders Inn official Facebook page for updates and thanks!!! All your time with volunteering to feed these men is appreciated!
Posted May 27, 2020 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
As we continue to strive to help meet the needs of our guest, we are now looking to provide them with sack lunches. Our guests leave the shelter at 7am and return at 6:30pm, we currently provide breakfast and dinner and want to make sure they have a healthy lunch to sustain them during the day.
SharePosted May 6, 2020 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
Thank you Mary Orr for signing up to provide a meal for our special guests!! We truly appreciate you!!!
SharePosted May 3, 2020 by Laurene G Meals Coordinator of Outsiders Inn
We want to whole heartedly thank Free Hot Soup Vancouver for their support providing meals for our hardworking men at Outsiders Inn!! We appreciate you and the men have expressed thier gratitude as well as given a plethora of compliments on the meals provided ❤
Share