Guests of the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky find comfort in a warm, nourishing meal each evening, made possible by your support. Whether you donate food, prepare a meal, or serve it with a smile, your generosity fosters a welcoming environment. Together, we provide more than just food—we offer dignity and community.
Evening Meal Signup
To ensure everything runs smoothly, here are key details for evening meals at ESNKY:
Please plan to feed 70 people and include fruits or vegetables; our guests prefer healthy options like fruit salad over desserts like ice cream. Along with your meal, bring 2 gallons of milk. The shelter provides coffee, water, and ice. Groups of 4 to 8 volunteers are ideal for serving, though we can accommodate more or fewer. While meals are typically served from 6 pm to 8 pm, we’re flexible to your schedule.
All meals must be prepared in a commercially licensed kitchen or purchased from a retail kitchen, per NKY Health Department guidelines. Follow the parking instructions provided when you arrive. Visit our Sign Up Genius to reserve your date and support our guests with a meal.
For questions, please contact Maya Mintu, Volunteer Coordinator, at Maya.Mintu@esnky.net or call (859) 572-1613
Cook & Serve at ESNKY
Bring your ingredients and prepare a meal in our commercial kitchen! This hands-on option lets you directly engage with our guests while cooking. Typically, groups arrive between 4:30 pm and 5 pm to have dinner ready by 6 pm. We can adjust based on your needs.
Remember, all food must be prepared at ESNKY or another licensed kitchen. If it’s your first time, review our Kitchen Slide Show and reach out with any questions. You can start cooking earlier—just let us know in advance.
Meal Plan & Drop Off
Plan and shop for a meal that our staff and volunteers will serve. In some cases, they can also cook the meal from your ingredients. Please coordinate a date with us before signing up on Sign Up Genius to ensure staff availability. Food drop-off is typically at 5 pm, but we’re happy to adjust to your schedule.
Cater a Meal
Share the joy of your favorite eatery by ordering from a restaurant or supermarket deli. This option ensures our guests receive a warm, quality meal. Food drop-off is usually at 5 pm. Let us know if you need a different time. You’re welcome to serve the meal, or our staff can handle it directly from the catering delivery.
Serve a Meal
Volunteers are often needed to help serve meals provided by donors or prepared by our staff. Check “Server” slots on Sign Up Genius for available opportunities. Servers typically arrive by 5:30 pm, though we can adjust based on your availability.
Sponsor a Meal
Ensure there’s always food on the table by sponsoring an evening meal at ESNKY. You can sponsor a specific date or support our meal program as a whole. Visit Meal Sponsorship to donate today. For questions, contact Zak Draznin, Development Manager, at Zak.Draznin@esnky.net or call (859) 572-1623
Sponsor a Meal
Volunteer
We always need volunteers to keep the shelter running smoothly. Whether you’re available during the day, in the evening, or early morning, we have opportunities for you to make a difference. Complete the form below or email our Volunteer Coordinator, and we’ll find the perfect fit for your schedule and interests.
Each year, our volunteers contribute thousands of hours to keep the shelter running smoothly. From serving meals to organizing donation drives, your time and effort directly impact the lives of those in need. It is our goal that everyone, our guests and our volunteers, have a Life Saving, Life Changing experience within our walls.
Individuals
Whether you’re looking to volunteer on your own or with a friend, we offer a variety of inside and outside activities to match your interests and availability. Opportunities range from helping with meal service to assisting with shelter maintenance and beyond.
Student Service Hours
Need to fulfill service hours for school? We offer meaningful volunteer opportunities that not only meet your requirements but also provide you with valuable insights into community service. Join us for activities like our quarterly all-shelter cleaning or assist with other essential tasks.
Corporate Groups
Looking for a team-building activity that makes a real difference? Bring your corporate group to ESNKY for a day of service. Whether it’s participating in a quarterly all-shelter cleaning or organizing a special project, your team’s efforts will have a lasting impact.
Interested in bringing a group? We offer team-building activities that allow your team to make a real difference together. Contact Maya Mintu, Volunteer Coordinator, at Maya.Mintu@esnky.net or call (859) 572-1613 to discuss your group’s participation.
Volunteer Form
Fill out this form and our team will send you an email to schedule a time for you to volunteer.
Material Donations / Wishlist
The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky depends on generous donations from our community to keep our shelves stocked with essential consumable items. Your contributions help us provide daily necessities for our guests, ensuring they have what they need during their stay.
High Need Items:
Underwear & Socks: New underwear and tube socks are in high demand - help us provide basic human dignity.
Seasonal Clothing: Streetwear like jeans, t-shirts, and boots are always needed, and winter-weather clothing can be donated starting in the fall.
Shelf-Stable Snacks: Individually-wrapped snacks are always welcome! Consider donating granola bars, crackers, or other non-perishable snacks.
Personal Care: Travel size soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, shaving cream, razors, help supply our Shower & Laundry service and overnight shelter programs.
Coffee Essentials: Coffee is a staple at ESNKY. Help us stock up on coffee, sugar, and powdered creamer to keep our guests warm and fueled.
Paper Products & Cleaning Supplies: Items like paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and trash bags help ESNKY maintain a clean and comfortable space.
Donation Drop-Off
Donations can be dropped off at our shelter located at 436 W 13th Street, Covington, KY 41011. We accept donations 7 days a week from 9am to 4pm and after 6pm. If these times don’t work for you, please feel free to call us at (859) 291-4555 to schedule an appointment.
Donation Drives
Does your company, school, church, or team want to hold a donation drive for our guests? Contact Maya Mintu, Volunteer Coordinator, at Maya.Mintu@esnky.net or call (859) 572-1613 to sign up and learn more about what we need to best serve our guests.
Amazon Wishlist
Prefer to shop online? You can ship items directly to ESNKY through our Amazon Wish List. Click below to find out what we need today!
Amazon Wishlist
Gift Cards
Gift cards are especially helpful, allowing us to purchase specific items as needs arise, including perishable items such as milk and fresh produce. They provide the flexibility to respond to urgent needs helps ensure that our guests have what they need when they need it most. Gift cards to Kroger, Sam's Club, and Costco are especially helpful.
Kroger Rewards
Did you know that by linking your Kroger account to ESNKY, you can earn money for ESNKY each time you checkout? Click the link below to make an account and search for "Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky."
Kroger Community Rewards
We Need Wednesday
Each Wednesday, ESNKY shares our most-needed item(s) on Facebook and Instagram, in a series called "We Need Wednesday." Click below to follow us!
Items We Encourage You to Donate Elsewhere
To make the most of our space and resources, we focus on accepting items that directly meet the needs of our guests. For this reason, we encourage you to consider donating the following items to other organizations in our community where they can be put to great use:
Non-perishable cooking items like canned goods (snacks are always welcome)
Housewares and kitchen appliances
Bedding, including pillows, comforters, and quilts (Twin sheets and towels are always needed at ESNKY)
Dresses, swimsuits, and formal clothing
By donating these items elsewhere, you help ensure that they reach individuals and families who can benefit from them. Thank you for your understanding and continued support!
Join a Committee
Joining one of our core committees is a powerful way to make a difference by using your skills to support our Life Saving, Life Changing mission. These committees work with the ESNKY Board of Directors and staff to fulfill key functions for the organization, meeting on a monthly basis.
Development Committee
The Development Committee provides valuable input for developing the fundraising plan and promoting a culture of philanthropy. Members work directly with ESNKY's Development Manager to oversee appeals, events, and donor engagement strategies.
Contact: Brant Owens, Committee Chair
Email Brant
Governance Committee
The Governance Committee is responsible for institutionalizing best practices in strategic board recruitment, effective engagement, and intentional revitalization, ensuring a diverse, knowledgeable, and actively engaged board.
Contact: Kim M. Webb, Executive Director
Email Kim
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing financial planning, ensuring sufficient funding and asset protection, developing fiscal policies, anticipating financial challenges, providing accurate financial information to the board, aiding in financial literacy, and ensuring compliance with reporting requirement.
Contact: Amy Guenther, Board Treasurer
Email Amy
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee develops public communication strategies, supports ESNKY in storytelling and relationship-building, manages business award nominations to enhance brand strength, and benefits from members with crisis PR experience.
Contact: Sarah Petracco, Committee Chair
Email Sarah
Additional Committees
These committees support a specific initiative or event that helps ESNKY engage with our community and support our fundraising efforts. These committees typically meet 6-8 times per year.
Faith Committee
The Faith Committee works collaboratively to build relationships with local churches, schools, and faith communities to support the Life Saving, Life Changing mission of ESNKY. This committee also plans the annual Winter Shelter Blessing held in October.
Contact: Zak Draznin, Development Manager
Email Zak
Homeless to Hopeful Committee
The Homeless to Hopeful committee plans and executes ESNKY's largest annual fundraiser and gala held in March. This committee focuses on user experience, sponsorships, and auction item procurement.
Contact: Zak Draznin, Development Manager
Email Zak
Magic of Home Committee
The Magic of Home Committee plans and executes ESNKY's newest fundraiser with a fantasy theme, celebrating the importance of housing and community in Northern Kentucky.
Contact: Zak Draznin, Development Manager
Email Zak