Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Market Ministries?
- What kind of programs are there?
- Who financially supports the programs at Market Ministries?
- What is the time schedule for the meal program?
- Where is the shelter located?
- How many guests can the shelter accommodate at one time?
- What services are available to help guests achieve productive lives?
- Are volunteers needed on a daily basis?
- What kind of donations will the program accept?
What is Market Ministries?
Market Ministries is non-profit organization that
provides basic needs to homeless and hungry individuals. It is a safe haven where
guests find physical, emotional, and compassionate support to improve their
lives. Market Ministries also helps people in the community who are at risk of
being without a home by helping them with their rent or heat bills.
What kind of programs are there?
There are three programs:
1) Meals Program: operated at the Pilgrim United Church Home, 600 Purchase
Street in downtown New Bedford. Volunteers from local churches and staff prepare
the noonday meal Monday through Friday including Thanksgiving. More than one
hundred fifty individuals are served a substantial meal every day.
2) Shelter Program: a comprehensive program that provides resources and
referrals for shelter guests every day. Volunteers provide the evening meal and
staff provide breakfast. Employment and housing referrals are a daily regimen
for guests who are ready to take the next step toward independence.
Click here for a list of local shelters.
3) Transitional Housing Program: funded through the Massachusetts Housing And
Shelter Alliance. Guests referred to this program have an apartment and
continuing social services to help them become productive citizens. Resources
are available for outreach, employment, counseling and referrals.
Click here to learn more about our programs.
Who financially supports the programs at Market Ministries?
Market
Ministries, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization incorporated in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In addition to the Massachusetts Department of
Transitional Assistance, which funds a major portion of the shelter budget,
other funding sources include foundations, grants, local churches and private
donations. Churches and private donors contribute monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually or annually.
What is the time schedule for the Meals Program?
The Meals Program at the
Soup Kitchen begins at 11:30Am - 1 PM Monday through Friday.
Where is the shelter located?
The shelter is located in downtown New Bedford
across the street from The First Unitarian Church and next to LaBaron's
Hairdressing Academy.
60 Eighth Street New Bedford, MA 02740
Click here to for directions
How many guests can the shelter accommodate at one time?
The shelter provides
beds for up to thirty-two (32) guests every evening. Additional beds are
available with a voucher at the Mariner's Home.
What services are available to help guests achieve productive lives?
Market Ministries offers the basic needs to individuals and sometimes
families. When additional services are required, direct care employees work
one-on-one with guests to develop a plan of action that will include appropriate
agency referrals.
Are volunteers needed on a daily basis?
Single people, couples, whole families and church affiliated groups volunteer
at the the soup kitchen and at the shelter. Preparing and serving meals is a
main focus; however, other opportunities exist in maintenance, clerical,
receiving, sorting, etc. It is best to call, especially during holiday seasons,
to find out more specifics at (508) 997-3202.
What kind of donations will the program accept?
Donations of cash, food,
clothing, sometimes furniture and/or equipment and paper supplies are helpful.
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