The Outreach House

I've volunteered at the Outreach House for 3 years on the food pantry side. All of the volunteers are happy to be there, helpful and respectful with our guests. We work hard moving the incoming items (food, clothing & diapers) from receiving, sorting and out keeping the shelves stocked. I'm amazed how much really nice fresh produce, breads and baked goods the local grocery stores donate to us. Our guests love having access to it as it disappears from our shelves and coolers quickly. We're not like a grocery store we don't have every item every day, but we have a good selection everyday and most guests leave with a cart full of groceries. The amount of incoming clothes that must be sorted and arranged so that only the best are available to our guests. The support from local community organizations, churches, schools and businesses dispels the negative things we read or see in the media. People care! You'll hear "Thank You" often. It is a wonderful place to volunteer if you want to see the difference you make in our community.

Our office group was looking for a way to get involved in our community when we found The Outreach House. We were blown away by the work they do throughout the community. Since first volunteering, we’ve hosted a drive for additional donations to support the organization. A wonderful group and great way to give back directly to the greater Lombard community.

We had a great tour and explanation of the Outreach House history and operations before we started. Because of that, the work we did to help prepare the grocery store for the next day was very fulfilling. They were so appreciative of us- you could tell how much they care for their community and making their mission successful.

This week I volunteered at the Outreach House with a large group and had a amazing experience. This organization offers assistance to many people in the surrounding area including food, clothing, diapers, and toys. Catherine the Director is informative, kind, organized and truly an amazing human. I left feeling like I had helped people in the community by cleaning grocery shelves, replenishing food and toys on the shelves, and making sure the next day people walking thru the doors had a great selection. I would highly recommend volunteering and donating to this amazing organization that serves the community.

I volunteered this week at the Outreach House and was really moved by their mission. It's amazing to hear how many people in the community they reach. I would highly recommend volunteering here. I left feeling like I'd helped people in the community by replenishing food on the shelves and making sure the next people to walk thru the doors had a great selection.

This week, I volunteered at The Outreach House with a large group and we had a great experience. This organization offers assistance to many people in the surrounding area - including food, clothing, diapers, toys - and they do so by uplifting their community and serving people with dignity. I enjoyed volunteering and learning about the organization, while also helping to clean and stock shelves. This is a great organization and I'd like to volunteer there again.

My husband and I have been involved with the Outreach House for many years, in many different capacities. I just love how they are able to help so many people in so many ways. Presently, we both do food pickups at the local grocery stores. It is amazing how many generous partners we have who give lots of healthy food for the pantry.

The Outreach House has made a huge difference for hundreds of families and thousands of parents, children and seniors in DuPage County by providing access to food, diapers, clothing and emergency financial assistance. The growth of the organization over the past two years has come at a time when the need for assistance has also grown due to inflation and rising living costs. Thankfully, The Outreach House has been able to respond to this growing need and relieve the stress of families and seniors struggling to make ends meet.

The Outreach House in Lombard is an amazing place to volunteer, or donate. They go through donations to make they are in good shape and clean….through Illinois food bank and donations from local businesses along with the generous donors and volunteers . You can walk through the aisles of food, coolers of milk and dairy, and freezers of meat along with great in season fresh produce, once a week!
Know someone who needs diapers? Come get them once a month along with wipes, and an abundance of infant clothing. School will be starting soon and the children department has your basic needs . Good selection of men’s and woman’s wear as well.
Everything at Outreach House is from donation, and free to our neighbors.
If you know someone in need please share this information. The Director Catherine, and her team are amazing group of caring people. You will leave there knowing as you gather what you need, it is coming from the Heart of Outreach House.

I had to come here since I was furloughed due to COVID. I am so glad they are here. Everyone knows my name. It's a nice feeling. All the volunteers are so helpful and friendly. I wish there was more parking but if you time it right, it's not too bad. Its sad to hear that the museum has taken away some of the parking. Maybe this location has growing pains and should look for a bigger location. I still want to thank you for being here. I appreciate everything you do and offer. Big hug

The outreach house is a great place for people in need!

The Outreach House volunteers are the best! Everyone is so helpful. I encourage every family to come visit if you are in need!

I have never volunteered for something like this before. The experience it has given me was beyond any expectation that I had going into it. They definitely have a little family-like community here with the volunteers AND the clientele. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I truly feel like I make a difference every time I volunteer. My favorite positions are the ones where I get to interact with the clientele!

My son, husband and I volunteered over the Christmas break. What fun. It brought back grocery clerk memories for my husband and allowed my son to have fun stocking shelves with food and help with the grocery carts in the parking lot. I helped sort incoming clothes from infant sizes to mens suits and shoes. What a wonderful experience to be a part of such a well organized, efficient, respectful, kind and friendly charity. We'd definitely going to continue to volunteer and support the Outreach House

I am a volunteer at the Outreach House and get to see first hand how we are making a difference to our Guests living in York Township, as well as our Guests from the towns of Addison and Glendale Hts.

My role in The Outreach House is bringing local high school students in to experience the working world and receive job training. While there, the students feel welcome, valued, and a part of their mission. There are many moving parts at The Outreach House, but one would never know it as Catherine keeps it running very smoothly. There is a very positive vibe and warm atmosphere every time we walk in. We feel grateful to be a part of this community:)

I first went to the pantry when covid hit. I didn't even know they existed until a neighbor told me about it. It was a lifeline for me at the time and now. I figured since I wasn't working my 15 hour a week job I could help with there much needed services, and lend a hand. I never stopped even though I went back to work. Since my job only helped with my car insurance and paper products I continue to use there resources. Since the price of everything is so high I truly appreciate what they offer to myself and many communities. I don't know what I would do without them.

The Outreach House in Lombard is saving lives. They provide food, clothes baby needs and other assistance to so many of our neighbors. My family is fortunate that we help provide food for the ORH by picking up food 3-4 times every week to help feed our neighbors. The volunteers at the ORH are all so pleasant - they help clients in any way possible. This is a great service !

I have worked with The Outreach House for over 10 years. Recently, we merged with a local church food pantry and clothing closet so we can provide guest with diapers, children and adult clothing and food. We moved into a new space in August 2022 and have increased the number of guests by amazing numbers. Our goal as volunteers is to treat each person walking through the door with respect and kindness. The volunteers take this goal very seriously which makes me proud to be part of this team. I have seen families with brand new babies so grateful for diapers and season appropriate clothing. Even though we serve a large number of families, we try to cultivate relationships with them so they know they are in a safe, caring atmosphere where they can get food weekly and clothing monthly for their entire family. The Outreach House is a valuable resource for the families in our area.

I moved to Lombard a year ago and was thrilled to find The Outreach House nearby as I've enjoyed volunteering at other pantries/food banks near my prior residences. The Outreach House is a community gem providing food, clothing and baby supplies to over a hundred York Township clients weekly. I look forward to my shifts as my fellow volunteers are wonderful folks and the pantry staff care deeply about the volunteers and keep the pantry running smoothly.

This organization keeps its mission "to provide compassionate and effective assistance to individuals and families with dignity and without judgment" top of mind each and every day. By addressing the sources of insecurity related to acquiring food, appropriate clothing, diapers and hygiene products, and paying essential bills to prevent utility shut offs, we help local residents maintain healthy diets, and safe and secure homes for their families.

With only one paid staff-person - our executive director - The Outreach House leverages hundreds of volunteer hours per week to enable guests to choose the items they need from a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables; dairy, meat, fish and eggs; bakery and deli items; and nutritious non-perishables, all at no charge. Assistance with diapers for little ones and clothing for all ages are also provided at no charge to guests. Providing some help with utility payments when there is threat of shutoff enables some families to stay in their homes - tears of appreciation bear witness to the difference this makes in guests' lives.

I started volunteering when we were distributing boxes of food during the pandemic. As I became more familiar with our work, I expanded my involvement from packing boxes to assisting with inventory management, to bookkeeping and website management, and finally to membership on the Board. I have never worked with a kinder, more generous and dedicated group! We do all we can to provide quality assistance with the most careful stewardship of the resources we receive.

The Outreach House is structured to provide comprehensive services under one roof--diapers, clothing and food for infants to senior citizens--in a respectful and shopper-friendly manner. We have clients from at least 5 continents, so we try to stock a good variety of staples. I volunteer assisting clients with their grocery carts as they exit the pantry, and people are so thankful for the groceries and other services. One client mentioned her doctor told her she needed to eat more vegetables, and she was grateful for the selection we had. Some clients only take what fits in a backpack, some bring their children or partner along, some carpool. People come to us from so many different situations, but I think they all leave with a good feeling that some basic needs have been met that day by people who care about their well-being.

In over 20 years living in the community, I have observed the size, the generosity and the major positive impact The Outreach House has had on all involved.
Opportunities for many organizations to volunteer, to help one another, which is the very meaning of community.
To give to those in need, with grace and dignity.
The facility grew,the offerings grew, foodstuffs became available, I cannot praise this organization enough.
Long may she prosper. A great asset I am proud to support.

DuPage Health Coalition has had the privilege to partner with the Outreach House for some time. Its staff, volunteers, and clients walk into a welcoming environment. I am impressed by the excellence of its staff, the compassion, kindness, and dignity that the clients are treated. The Lombard area is a better place because of the outstanding work you do!

I love volunteering at The Outreach House!! There are so many wonderful people who work tirelessly to serve the community. The Outreach House always tries to make sure that the people in the community are served with respect, dignity and kindness.

I was looking for a long time to find my go-to volunteer place and as soon as I found The Outreach House I knew my search was over. I feel truly valued for the work I do, it is a space where I am welcomed to share my gifts, ideas, and concerns to help serve our community. ORH is always growing and improving to fit the needs of the guests we help. Catherine, the executive director, is an excellent leader whose approachability and genuine desire to help others leaves so much room for collaboration. There are so many amazing people behind this effort and it is so well grounded in the community. I feel inspired by all the ways I have seen different people come together to offer their creative solutions to support and strengthen the mission.