About us
Our Story
A simple act of compassion became a lifeline
for hundreds in our community.
It began when a concerned staff member shared her lunch with one person in need.
More than 30 years ago, a hungry neighbor knocked on the door of Royal Oak First United Methodist Church asking for food. A staff member provided a sandwich from her own lunch.
Realizing that there might be greater need, she suggested the Church maintain food on-hand for this purpose. For many years, what was known simply as the “sack lunch program” was an informal collection of dedicated volunteers, ensuring that anyone who asked could receive some food.
One sandwich grew to many meals - donated and served by a network of community partners and volunteers.
Over the years, volunteers and staff members grew the program. They increased relationships with local restaurants, businesses, and other donors in the community – establishing a network of offerings.
Weekly, dedicated volunteers would drive to pick up or deliver food. Individuals would come to the Church kitchen to organize meals, while others would assemble bags of sandwiches at their homes.
Somehow there was always enough food for anyone in need.
Offerings expanded to include much more than food: clothing, personal hygiene essentials, showers, community support resources, and more.
Eventually the Church established dedicated staff positions to coordinate what had become known as Outreach on 7th or OO7.
In recent years, and in recognition of the variety of needs for the homeless and vulnerable in our local community, OO7 offerings have expanded significantly.
Today, we serve a hot meal plus a bag lunch to go – every weekday of the year – to anywhere from 50-80 guests daily.
Monthly and on every holiday, we serve special hot meals such as turkey or prime rib – similar to what might be enjoyed in a family gathering.
We have laundry services, hot showers with clean undergarments, Wi-Fi, and access to community support resources. Many unhoused individuals in our community use our building as their registered mailing address, which helps them access government resources, potential job opportunities, and more.
Formed into a 501c3 non-profit, Outreach on 7th now operates as a standalone entity with a distinct Board of Directors - allowing future expansion of needed food, supplies, and services.
Several years ago, with a desire to expand, formalize, and increase consistency of offerings, dedicated leaders established a 501c3 non-profit organization. While still supported through financial donations and volunteers from Royal Oak First, the new OO7 is a distinct entity operating with its own Board of Directors – which includes members representing expertise from across southeast Michigan.
Recognizing that this is a community need, we continue to grow partnerships of collaboration.
We have also increasingly established formal partnerships with community leaders and other service organizations in Royal Oak and Oakland County, recognizing that the needs and challenges are shared and best served in collaboration. Leaders from OO7 participate in organizations such as the Royal Oak Community Coalition for the Unhoused (ROCCU), to strategize solutions together.
Mission Statement
With compassion, respect, and dignity, we help underserved neighbors meet their most basic needs.
