Step Up for Neighbors in Need

South Lake Union is home to a diverse community, including neighbors who are facing food insecurity, homelessness, and the added strain of the government shutdown. Immanuel Community Services (ICS), which hosts the neighborhood’s only food bank, has seen those needs rise sharply in recent weeks.

This week, we spoke with Natalie Dewey-Smith, Development & Communications Manager, and Rodrigo Sanchez, Food Services Manager, about how needs have evolved, what support looks like right now, and how SLU residents and workers can make a real difference.

A Spike in Need—and a Shift in What Helps Most

With SNAP (food stamp) benefits paused during the shutdown, ICS immediately felt the strain.

“We’ve seen a 25% increase in shoppers at the food bank and a similar jump in visitors for lunch at our hygiene center,” Natalie shared. Emergency support from the Seattle Food Committee and Meals Partnership Coalition has helped replenish shelves, but the challenge is no longer just about food.

What ICS Needs Right Now

Every dollar truly stretches further at ICS. Here’s what your gift can do:

• $25 – Provides half a week of groceries for neighbors in need
• $50 – Stocks essential supplies at the Hygiene Center or provides fresh groceries
• $100 – Feeds two families for a week or supports one night of shelter for a Recovery Program resident
• $500 – Purchases fresh produce, dairy, and protein for dozens of families
• $1,200 – Covers a full month of groceries for nearly 25 households

Cash donations are always welcome and certainly help ICS do the most good, but giving items also help ICS meet immediate, daily needs of community members facing hunger or living unsheltered. Here is their current donation wish list:

• Warm jackets/coats/rain jackets
• Tarps and tents
• Sleeping bags
• Men’s and women’s pants
• Men’s and women’s underwear (new only)
• Hand warmers
• Twin-size sheet sets
• Canned goods and non-perishables

As Rodrigo mentioned, ICS has a small staff and could use some real people power. The organization runs three major volunteer shifts each week—ideal for individuals, teams, or workplace groups.

1. Grocery Rescue (Weekends)
   Help pick up, pack, and store food donations from local grocery stores.

2. SLU Food Bank (Mondays)
   Volunteers help run distribution stations, greet neighbors, and restock supplies.

3. Hot Meal Program (Wednesdays, 10am–1pm)
   ICS serves 50+ hot lunches every weekday to anyone who walks in—no questions asked. Volunteers assist with prep, cooking, and serving. ICS provides all supplies, though volunteers are welcome to bring extras from home.

Why Supporting ICS Matters in SLU

South Lake Union is a place of tremendous prosperity—but that can sometimes mask the needs of those living on the margins.

“Many of our neighbors are struggling with homelessness, hunger, and addiction,” Rodrigo said. “When we can bring neighbors from both sides of the divide together, it bolsters the community as a whole.”

Supporting ICS means supporting real people who live, work, or seek refuge right here. It’s a reminder that compassion is a cornerstone of vibrant neighborhoods.

Upcoming Ways to Give Back

Giving Tuesday kicks off December 2—remember ICS when making your annual gifts.

Holiday meals: ICS is preparing special Thanksgiving (Wed, Nov 26) and Christmas (Wed, Dec 24) lunches for their Hygiene Center guests. Volunteers are needed to cook, serve, and donate food to make these meals memorable.

A Message of Gratitude

“Immanuel Community Services wouldn’t exist without the support of the community,” Natalie said. “What our volunteers do here week after week is what keeps things moving. It might not be as loud as protests or as flashy as a speech, but it’s real.”

Special thanks to the volunteers who keep ICS running: Rick, Alex, Mike, Wendi, Sam, Don, Yi, Tim, Rachel, Jim, and so many others who show up with heart and consistency.

If you want to give your time, donate items, or contribute financially, ICS welcomes you. Your support helps ensure every neighbor in SLU knows they matter.