These organizations are hosting Thanksgiving dinners for Columbus residents in need

Brittany McGee
·2 min read

As Thanksgiving approaches, organizations are preparing to host free dinners and events for those who are unable to prepare their own holiday meals at home.

SafeHouse Ministries offers free programs for battling addiction and emergency resources including meals, clothing and transitional housing. The organization plans to host events the week of Thanksgiving to help ensure those who need assistance are able to enjoy the holiday.

The organization will serve holiday meals throughout the week of Thanksgiving, Eric McClure, director of facilities and staffing, told the Ledger-Enquirer. And after the holiday is over, he said, SafeHouse will serve leftovers like most people do at their own homes.

All of the planned dinners will be served during SafeHouse’s regular lunch hour, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., McClure said, but the time might be extended depending on how many individuals attend.

While SafeHouse serves people experiencing homelessness, the organization also serves others who may not be able to afford Thanksgiving dinner because of the economy, he said.

“We don’t turn anyone away,” McClure said. “We welcome everybody.”

Individuals who would like to volunteer to help serve or assist with other projects only need to call SafeHouse to set up a time he said. For Thanksgiving, they can call as early as a week ahead or even the day of, McClure said.

Sometimes, SafeHouse can get overbooked, he said, so it’s best to schedule a good time for both SafeHouse and the volunteer.

Here’s where those in need can find a Thanksgiving meal this year.

SafeHouse Ministries

  • Annual Feed the Crow Foundation dinner is organized by former NFL player and Columbus native Isaiah Crowell. This event is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 20, and participants will receive dinner and goodies.

  • St. Paul AME Church will serve dinner and host an event on Nov. 21

  • Macedonia Baptist Church plans to visit SafeHouse on Nov. 25

The Plummer Home

The Plummer Home offers residential living and assistance for veterans experiencing homelessness, joblessness, addiction or other life-altering challenges. After recently closing on its house in early 2023, the organization began refurbishing its kitchen, which they hope will be completed in time for Thanksgiving, chairman Greg Jordan told the Ledger-Enquirer.

If the kitchen is not complete, Jordan said, there will still be a Thanksgiving spread provided for homeless veterans on the afternoon of on Nov. 23.

Individuals can volunteer or donate by contacting the Plummer Home, he said, by visiting the organization’s website.

This story will be updated as more information about other free Thanksgiving dinner opportunities are provided.