Local Outreach
Joining Jesus to transform our lives and the lives of our neighbors by serving with our local partners.
Serve Together
Weekly & Monthly
Drop off your donations Sunday mornings in the red barrels at the church’s entrance. These donations go toward the U-District Food Bank to serve individuals and families in need. Items needed: Canned meat and fruit, Shelf-stable milk and milk alternatives, Paper products, Baby supplies, Socks
Serve our neighbors living on the streets of the U-District with the Union Gospel Mission. Search & Rescue teams are led by experienced UGM staff who focus on the safety of volunteers and sensitivity to those we serve. Join us on the second Friday of each month for this one of a kind opportunity. The evening begins with orientation at 6:30PM and van participation until 11:00PM. For ages 15+. Sign up here, or email Barb at barbw@upc.org.
Global Friends is a multi-ethnic community where international students, scholars, professionals, and their families can enjoy a meal together, make friends, and learn more about American culture. For more event information, click here. To volunteer, contact Vivienne at viviennel@upc.org
The Language Institute at University Presbyterian Church offers classes to improve reading, writing, speaking, listening and conversational English skills. Volunteer to teach all levels of language learners. Find more information here, and contact Kristine at kristiner@upc.org to hear about ways to serve.
Elizabeth Gregory Home is one of UPC’s community partners. They provide a welcoming and respectful refuge to women experiencing homelessness, trauma, or economic insecurity. At Elizabeth Gregory Home women have access to a caring community and critical resources. There are many important ways to get involved at EGH and help to break the cycle of homelessness. Find out more here.
Street Youth Ministries is a faith-based nonprofit serving homeless youth and youth in crisis ages 13 through 26. The Drop-in Center is on the North side of the UPC building, and provides basic needs including food, hygiene items, showers, clothing, and laundry. Drop-in volunteers help staff to make connections and meet the needs of youth that come to the center. Find more information at symseattle.org. To volunteer, contact ritab@symseattle.org.
Organized tent cities provide safe & secure places for homeless people to stay as they look for work and more permanent housing situations. Find out more about opportunities to support this encampment when they are in the U-District.
Volunteer on Sunday mornings or for special Family Ministries events! The UPC kids learn to “Live Like Jesus, in Community, Caring for Neighbors.” Apply to volunteer and find more information here. To ensure a safe and healthy environment for children, teens, and adults UPC participates in a Safe Church program.
The Union Gospel Mission’s faith-based 18-month recovery programs help people overcome homelessness and addiction. Hear from men and women whose lives have been transformed and celebrate with them as they graduate. Join us in Larson Hall on the last Wednesdays of the month from 6-7PM. email Barb at barbw@upc.org for more information.
The U-District Food Bank serves individuals and families in need with food and access to resources to help them become self-sufficient. Volunteer at the food bank or bring items to the UPC Weekly Food Drive. Drop off your donations Sunday mornings in the red barrels at the church’s entrance. Items needed include: canned meat and fruit, shelf-stable milk and milk alternatives, paper products, baby supplies & socks. Find opportunities to volunteer here.
A wonderful weekly meal program at “Chapel on the Ave” where volunteers sit with guests, engage in conversation, and make friends. Find more information and volunteer here.
Weekdays: Partner with Arbora Court to provide Wednesday after-school snacks and a play space. Volunteers are also needed for the weekly homework center or occasional craft/game days. Email Barb Williams at barbw@upc.org to volunteer.
One Time or Annually
Backpacks for Arbora Court: Volunteer for the annual Back to School Backpacks and Pizza Party held annually in August. Assist with labeling boxes, handing out backpacks/supplies to children and building relationships with families.
More Outreach At Arbora Court: Meet with the Arbora Court Resident Coordinator to volunteer at outreach events such as Bible Study, Wednesday Afternoon Kid’s Club, Book Club, Cooking Classes, etc. UPC liaison will help organize weekly or one-time events.
Email Barb Williams at barbw@upc.org to volunteer for any of these opportunities.
UPC has the opportunity to sponsor a booth in the U-District Street Fair (mid May). Interested in coordinating or participating? Email Barb at barbw@upc.org or find out more about the street fair here.
Coordinate and promote UPC involvement in the U-District One Day of Service! Thousands of volunteers will join together for the Day of Service on a Saturday in May 2025. The event is an invitation to every neighbor to roll up their sleeves, come together, and give back with volunteer opportunities in each neighborhood across the city. Find more information here.
Coordinate and promote UPC involvement in the Night Out Seattle. Night Out is a national event promoted by Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention. It is designed to increase neighborhood engagement and unite our communities. Night Out is traditionally held the first Tuesday night in August. Find more information here.
UPC has a partnership with the Village of Algodon in the Dominican Republic through Children of the Nation’s One Church – One Village program. Support Algodon throughout the year in many different ways. Participate through Intergenerational UPC Trips, prayer, Smile Kits, Spring Cleaning Days, sponsoring a child, meal packaging events, and more! Find out more about One Church – One Village here.
Events
