Special Notice

Due to financial support dropping over the last two years, at the end of September we will stop serving meals. We will continiue to provide showers and laundry service, along with personal hygiene items. We will also offer coffee and pastry. We will be open Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00am to 3:00pm.

What comes to your mind when you hear of a soup kitchen? It's easy to picture a long line of people, each one carrying a bowl, waiting to receive a watery substance that someone said was soup.

Whatever the case, here at "Soup's On!" it's nothing like that. When we open our doors at 9 AM each Tuesday and Friday, our friends are able to come in out of the elements to a warm environment where they can get a cup of hot coffee, use the laundry facilities, take a hot shower and get clothing from our clothing bank.

When the meal time begins, our patrons are served at their seats, restaurant-style. And while we generally include soup with every meal, we provide a complete, tasty, nutritious meal, including entree, vegetable and salad.

In addition to laundry, showers, a clothing bank and a hot meal, we also offer blankets, toiletries, and other personal hygiene items.

Is There A Real Need?

The world can be a pretty harsh place and sometimes people lose not only their jobs and homes, but they lose hope. Our great staff of volunteers provide a bit of shelter from the storm, a warm atmosphere and a hot meal, bringing hope and encouragement.

Homelessness seems to be on the increase. In 2008 the census of homeless people in Whatcom is placed at 1,325 people. As one of the several groups involved with meal service, we average about 50 to 80 people each day we are open. This averages 150 + meals per week.

We serve a variety of people, including children, teenagers and adults. Some of our patrons live on the street or in their car. Others are low-income retirees, some are unemployed and others may work, but still can't make ends meet.