Volunteer at the Interim Housing Program

Volunteers are a key part of operating our Interim Housing and RISE Center Medical Respite Programs for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness. Please take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions, and make sure you are registered to volunteer before signing up for a shift using the calendar below. 

Important NOTE: From Thursday, August 6 , 2026 through Spring 2027, Our Interim Housing and RISE Center Medical Respite Programs will be located within the West Cook YMCA in Oak Park (255 S Marion St.).

How many meals should be provided?

Currently 25. This number will gradually increase during Fall/Winter 2026/27 but you will be informed well in advance of how this will change the number of meals needed.

Am I responsible for serving and eating utensils (including plates, napkins, cups), or just food? What about drinks and condiments?

It is not necessary to provide serving and eating utensils, but you are welcome to. Please do provide all food items needed for the meal, including condiments (e.g. ketchup/salad dressing) and drinks (bottled water preferred, jugs of lemonade/juice, or similar).

Can I cook onsite?

No, there is no space available to prepare food onsite. Meals have to be prepared off-site and brought to our Housing Forward site, temporarily located at the West Cook YMCA.

Do meals need to be individually packaged?

Yes. Meals need to be individually packaged and ‘Ready to Eat’. There is no space available to prepare food on site or to do any pre or post preparation of food. Recyclable individualized containers can be purchased from Amazon and similar retailers for less than 40 cents each.

What time does food need to be delivered?

Dinner should be delivered between 8:00am and 4:00pm on the day you're providing the meal. Please make sure it arrives no later than 4:00pm. Breakfast and lunch should be delivered by 9:00pm the day before they are planned to be served. For example, if you're providing lunch for Thursday, it must be dropped off by Wednesday at 9:00pm.

Where do I drop off food? Where do I park? How do I enter the building?

Housing Forward’s Interim Housing Program is located within the West Cook YMCA (255 S. Marion St.) in Oak Park. Please use the side entrance on the north side of the building. There is a drop-off parking space at the entrance. Call the number posted on the door which is a direct line to Housing Forward staff at the YMCA.

What happens to leftovers?

While we are at the YMCA, we will not have the capacity to store food. Providing the right amount of meals for only our clients (25) ensures that no food will go wasted.

What should be included in each meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)?

Meals need to be individually packaged and ‘Ready to Eat’. Breakfast could include a pastry such as a muffin or bagel, individual instant oatmeal or grits, yogurt, a microwavable breakfast sandwich, or fruit cups. Lunch might include a sandwich, fruit, chips, and a dessert like a cookie or granola bar. Dinner should include a protein, a vegetable, a starch, grain or bread, and a dessert. It is strongly preferred that all meals include bottled water.

What happens if my group is unable to fulfill its commitment or is running late?

Please reach out to Housing Forward’s team at the YMCA as soon as possible so we can make alternative arrangements. The phone number is (708) 434-0255.

If I would prefer not to cook, can I donate a meal from a restaurant or supply a gift card instead?

Absolutely! If you are interested in donating a Wal-mart,. Target., or Aldi $100 gift card for the purchase of shelf-stable items, please contact Cherrell Jackson at cjackson@housingforward.org; or at 708/338-1724 x201.

** PLEASE NOTE** If you sign up to provide a meal and would also like to serve your meal, you ALSO need to sign up to be a service aid.

** NEW POLICY ** The YMCA requires ANYONE entering the building to undergo a background check that can take up to 10 days to complete. If you are interested in signing up for a volunteer shift as a service aid, you will need to undergo a background check. We will help facilitate this process – there is no cost to you, and it only needs to be completed once. Meal providers do NOT need to undergo a background check as they will not be entering the building. 

If it is your first time signing up for a service aid shift at the YMCA, please account for up to 10 days for your background check to be completed before your shift. 

If you have already signed up for meal provider or service aid shifts at Interim Housing into the next few months, we will be reaching out directly to touch base with you about your interest in volunteering in this new space. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.