Teen Feed works with the community to offer support to meet basic needs, build strong relationships, and ally with houseless youth as they meet their future off the streets.
Our Core Values
Human Rights
All people are entitled to the basic human rights of health, safety, and self-determination.
Equity and Empathy
Homelessness is not a reflection of the merits of one’s character. We are all people of equal value; any of us could be in the same situation as the people we serve.
Mutual Respect
We work to foster a sense of mutual respect with our clients. We recognize the autonomy of the youth we serve and respect their values and judgments.
Youth Voices
The young people we serve have the right to meaningful voice and feedback about Teen Feed services.
Inclusive Care
Low barrier services are provided through the understanding of trauma-informed care, the effects of gender, racial and social inequities, and the importance of undoing institutional racism in practice.
Relationship Building
We build and nurture relationships through consistency, trust, and mutual accountability.
In 1987, nurses from Seattle’s University of Washington Medical Center noticed street youth in the University District area were severely malnourished. Together with community and faith groups, Teen Feed began to “meet youth where they are” by serving warm meals to youth in local donated meal sites. Today, Teen Feed provides warm meals, basic needs items, and supportive connections 365 days a year.
