Social Service & Community Programs

As a Christian community, The Riverside Church endeavors to provide access to comprehensive social services for those in economic and social crisis. We seek to enable people in need within our community to more fully support and nurture themselves and their families so that they can move out of poverty.

People who utilize our Social Services programs may receive referrals to job training programs, employment agencies, or other services. The Riverside Church also helps clients in need of public assistance, SNAP (Food Stamps), and Medicaid, through information and referrals.

For more information please call Debra Northern, Minister of Parish Care at 212.870.6741.

Food Pantry
The supermarket style Food Pantry distributes food Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The pantry is staffed with 10-12 volunteers who interview clients for eligibility, guide them as they shop, and help stock shelves.

 

Shower Project
Open every Tuesday and Friday to the first 25 people from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Shower Project is designed to meet the needs of the sheltered and unsheltered homeless men and women in need of a shower and clean clothing in New York City. Each guest receives a care basket filled with soap, shampoo, conditioner, towels, and other essentials. Twenty minutes is allotted to each guest to enjoy a hot shower while their clothing is laundered. Volunteers and social services staff provide referrals for additional services to shelters, soup kitchens, medical facilities, counseling, advocacy, and employment.

Healing Activities at Riverside

The Parish Care Ministry will have designated hours for any member who may need or wish to meet for pastoral counseling. In addition, there are upcoming events/activities specifically designed to promote healing during these days of challenge and uncertainty. These activities are important to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and we would love as many Riverside members as possible to attend at least 3 activities over the course of these summer months. If there is an activity you have a particular interest in and it does not fit within your schedule, please contact the Parish Care office and we will attempt to make additional arrangements. Click here to download a list of upcoming events

 

Barber Training Program
Every Monday and Tuesday from 1:00-4:00 p.m. for 6 weeks, participants are trained in barbering skills. Free haircuts are available to the community on those days from 1:00-3:15 p.m.  Application for Licensing is completed after graduation.

 

Clothing Distribution
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, clothing distribution takes place at the Food Pantry. Professional clothing suitable for job interviews is available by appointment only. Walk-ins cannot be served. Clients with specific needs may call to speak with clothing ministry staff or volunteers.

Professional clothing is distributed on Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m., and a referral from Grant Associates is required.