Our Story
The Downtown Soup Kitchen began over 45 years ago in a garage, fueled by a vision to share the love of God with Alaskans in need. Operating out of a little red house on 4th Avenue, the kitchen provided over 300 cups of soup each day to homeless and low-income individuals and families. In a little yellow A-frame next door, hot showers, laundry services, and clothing were offered, all thanks to generous community donations.
In 2012, the organization expanded its facility and services by moving into a new building on 3rd Avenue. Funded primarily by individual donors and churches, the kitchen customized its facility to better serve those in need. In addition to regular services, programs were created to help guests gain experience and marketable job skills.
In March 2016, the Feed Me Hope Bakery opened its doors to women staying in the emergency cold weather shelter, which had opened in December 2015. The following fall, the Feed Me Hope Culinary School was launched, providing vocational training for homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals. Remarkable transformations have taken place as hope has been restored to Bakery and Culinary students.
In 2022, the purchase of Suite Hope, an 18-unit apartment complex, provided a safe place for students and graduates, encouraging training completion and perseverance. Future plans include barista training, a bakery storefront, and the expansion of job training opportunities, all aimed at creating a thriving Anchorage community free of hopelessness.