Bean’s Cafe exists to fight hunger for all ages, one meal at a time, while providing a pathway to self-sufficiency with dignity and respect.
Our continued focus is feeding the hungry and homeless in our community, because nobody should go hungry or wonder where their next meal with come from.
Bean’s Cafe Services/Programs
Food and Streets to Success!
The center of our mission is fighting hunger. We provide all meals through a mobile food distribution model. Instead of individuals coming to us, or one central location- we are bringing food to where the individuals are. Shelters, supportive housing, etc. We partner with numerous organizations in the community to ensure individuals receive the food they need each day. All food donations can be dropped off at our new kitchen and warehouse facility located at 1524 Ship Avenue. Donation hours are Monday- Friday between 9 am - 4 pm. During the holidays we are open 7-days a week for food drop off.
Streets to Success Program
The Streets to Success program was developed from the need to support men and women with histories of homelessness, addiction, and criminal behaviors as they choose to accept personal responsibility and work to build healthy lives. Bean’s Cafe launched the program in September 2023, after addressing homelessness and hunger in Anchorage, Alaska for more than four decades.
Streets to Success is a one-year residential program designed to serve 30 participants per year. The program structure is based on a well-researched model of care called Therapeutic Community. Program participants receive support and guidance from experts with lived experience - mentors who have overcome homelessness, substance abuse, and incarceration in their own lives.
To help facilitate positive outcomes in the lives of program participants, our organization maintains important community partnerships with education specialists and ‘second chance employers’ who hire qualified applicants without regard to histories of felony convictions. We need your help as we set up this program. Please email info@beanscafe.org to obtain a detailed description of the program and what a donation of $1500 can do.
Children’s Lunchbox:
In order to meet increased demand for food services, the Children’s Lunchbox needs your help with donations of food and funds for feeding children and families. Our need is greater than ever. Find out more by clicking here.
Please note we ARE offering in-person volunteer opportunities again. Use our 'Volunteer' option in the menu above to access the platform. Specifics are included on our Give Help page.
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) #93858
Our Tax ID # 92-0072522
Feeding the Hungry and Homeless Since 1979
Vision and Mission
We exist to fight hunger for all ages, one meal at a time while providing a pathway to self-sufficiency with dignity and respect.
“The premise of Bean’s Cafe is a deep belief in the inherent dignity of every person, a belief that people respond with kindness when treated kindly, with trust when trusted, and respectfully when respected. Our aim is not to set up a value system – determining what is right or wrong – or a way of life for persons, but allow them to form their own. In this situation, a person is not pressured into acting in a special way, and their response is free, lasting, and more fully themselves.”
– Bean’s Cafe Founding Documents, 1979
Adult Meals
We provide meals to anyone in need 365 days a year. Not all of our clients are homeless – many individuals struggle to make ends meet.
Meal service is provided using a mobile food distribution model and we work with partners throughout Anchorage to ensure meals are being delivered daily.
Children and Family Nutrition Program
The Children’s Lunchbox began with a specific focus on child nutrition and food security. We now feed entire families, as well as children. We provide both fresh and non-perishable meals, known as pantry boxes to local community programs serving children and families. These meals are prepared and delivered to partner sites where they are distributed.
Permanency Navigation/Streets to Success:
If you are a single adult (living in a shelter or outside), are employed or workforce ready, and can maintain a sober lifestyle, you may qualify for assistance through our Streets to Success program. Please email navigation@beanscafe.org or phone 907.538.7049
Streets to Success offers:
• Access to housing
• Navigators who will help support you through life’s challenges
• Life skills coaching
• Peer support and mentorship
• Assistance with stable, permanent housing
• And much, much, more!
The Children’s Lunchbox (TCL) is a program of Bean’s Cafe, founded in 2004 in response to the growing number of hungry children in our community. Since its humble beginnings at Mt. View Elementary, our child nutrition program has grown up, and now serves more meals than Bean’s Cafe! We serve children AND families.
Bean’s Cafe has a history of helping those in need. Whether you’re a client or volunteer, we’d like to hear your history.