Give us a little history of Ruth Meiers/Luke’s Kitchen

Ruth Meiers is more than just a homeless shelter. We provide numerous essential services to the homeless at multiple facilities in the Bismarck-Mandan area. The programs and services offered at Ruth Meiers create a transitional pathway from homelessness to community reintegration, providing services across the continuum to help our clients overcome barriers and access the resources available to them.

To further our mission, Ruth Meiers is creating Luke’s Kitchen, an open table with the purpose of engaging those who are struggling, supporting those who need nourishment, and providing the tools and training to impact the lives of many.

Luke’s Kitchen is being created in honor of Luke Meiers, a nephew to Ruth Meiers. Luke invested his life in serving those who are homeless, at-risk of becoming homeless, or suffering in our community. Since his passing in 2015, his passion for serving others has been greatly missed. To honor his legacy, and to address a current gap in services in the community, Ruth Meiers is creating Luke’s Kitchen, which will provide a warm noon meal to the community, seven days per week.

How is Luke’s Kitchen different from other soup kitchens?

Luke’s Kitchen, to be located at our 23rd Street shelter, is not your typical “soup kitchen.” Yes it is an open table where anyone from the community can receive a warm meal, but it also focuses on providing additional services that will promote self-sufficiency. We see Luke’s Kitchen as an opportunity to connect individuals and families in need with the right services and resources to help them overcome barriers. Laundry and shower facilities will be available, as well as a technology room with computers available for job searching, developing resumes, and communicating with family and friends. In addition, case managers will be available to help the homeless and those at risk of homelessness access additional services at Ruth Meiers and at other agencies across the community. Luke’s Kitchen is a first step in the transitional pathway offered at Ruth Meiers, to help the homeless reintegrate into the community and become self-sufficient.

How can people contact you?

Luke’s Kitchen is expected to open by the end of the year. Information on the exact date of opening will be available on our website: www.ruthmeiers.org. Individuals seeking more information can call Ruth Meiers at 701-222-2108 or send an email to director@ruthmeiers.org. Information will be made publicly available as the renovation and implementation progresses. Check back with us regularly, or sign up for our electronic newsletter on our website, to stay aware of the progress and launch time frame.

How can people donate?

Individuals can donate on our website or by calling Ruth Meiers’ main office at 701-222-2108. You can also mail donations to PO Box 2092 Bismarck ND 58502-2092.

What are your needs right now if someone would like to donate?

Volunteers: We and our clients rely on members of the community to keep our programs going and our organization thriving. In 2015, Ruth Meiers utilized over 1,100 volunteers that provided more than 4,000 volunteer hours. Luke’s Kitchen will utilize volunteers to help prepare and serve meals each day. Volunteer shifts and schedules will be posted on our website. Anyone interested in volunteering should visit our website to complete a volunteer application.

Donations: We are also currently seeking financial and product donations to support Luke’s Kitchen. Financial donations will support the minor renovations required to separate Luke’s Kitchen from the current Men’s Shelter, and to purchase equipment and supplies for the kitchen and technology center. Product donations needed for Luke’s Kitchen include towels, paper products, trash bags, laundry detergent, non-perishable food items, and new or gently-used kitchen supplies.   

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