Fresh Beginnings Ministries and Community Action Partnership have entered into an agreement to provide fresh produce and dry goods every week to Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter residents.

Prior to receiving food from the Community Action Partnership, there were several health code inspections that needed to occur. The Fresh Beginnings warehouse, the kitchen at the Bridge Shelter, and the Senior Center kitchen (where shelter volunteers cook many of the meals) all received A-plus ratings from health inspectors to clear the way for this program to begin.

Over the next two weeks, six volunteers will be trained as certified shoppers by the Community Action Partnership and will be trained on correct procedures at Orange County food banks.

The Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter team is always looking for new ways to innovate, create partnerships and better serve those experiencing homelessness in Costa Mesa. If you would like to be a part of the team and test out your culinary skills, please contact Bill.Nelson@costamesaca.gov.

Additional volunteer opportunities are available and an easy way for you to take an active role and help create positive change in your community. Volunteer opportunities available include preparing and serving meals, hosting games and social gatherings, offering a unique skill set to shelter guests and more. For more information please contact AlyssaS@mercyhouse.net.

A volunteer application is available here.

Not ready to volunteer but still want to help? The city is currently accepting in-kind and cash donations to assists individuals in the community experiencing homelessness. To make a financial donation or for a list of accepted items please visit here.