🌟Volunteer Spotlight🌟 From becoming Safe Harbor’s first kitchen manager to transitioning to one of several volunteer kitchen workers at the shelter, Traverse City native Jodee Taylor brings her infectious smile and many years of restaurant experience to dishing out deliciousness to our guests – and we’re so grateful! “After a couple of years in the new shelter, everyone knew how the kitchen worked, so we switched to a rotating schedule of volunteer kitchen managers, one of whom comes in every day. These kitchen elves make sure the paper towels and napkins are stocked, the kitchen is cleaned and sanitized, and the refrigerator is ready for the next group of volunteers to load it up with food,” said Jodee, who enjoys taking weekend kitchen shifts as much as possible. “There’s also a there-but-for-the-grace aspect to why I volunteer,” she added. “I’m a recovering alcoholic. If I hadn’t stopped drinking, I’d probably be dead, but if I wasn’t dead, I’d probably be on the other side of the buffet line.” Her favorite task at the shelter? Using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on the white cupboards: “It really is like magic!” Least favorite task? “Untangling apron strings.” We couldn't do what we do without wonderful volunteers like Jodee! Interested in giving back to your community by volunteering at Safe Harbor? Learn more about opportunities here: https://www.gtsafeharbor.org/volunteer/
About Safe Harbor
Food, Shelter, Hope
Safe Harbor supports the physical and spiritual welfare of people experiencing homelessness by providing emergency shelter, food, and hope.
We operate a non-profit, volunteer-run Seasonal Emergency Shelter and a year-round Housing & Human Services Resource Center. As part of the Continuum of Care, we also focus on community partnerships in order to better collaborate on long-term solutions to ending homelessness in our region.
Why Volunteer
Since 2004, thousands of volunteers have given their time and love to help others in their community through Safe Harbor, which operates year-round. The more you learn about our people, our guests and our mission, the more you’ll want to join us.
Donate
Safe Harbor is largely volunteer-operated. This means your donation goes directly to the shelter functions. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Safe Harbor’s effort. Select from a one-time Sponsoring of a Day, a Bed, or Subscribing Monthly. Learn more about our donation process and which items we accept at what time. View some of our most common donation types below.
- Help Sponsor a Day$50
- Sponsor a Bed$250