I am sure for what I hear this ministry is doing great work, however when it comes to their advertising pick up of goods three years in a row they never showed up. Not just for my house but for our whole entire block and community. I just got another piece of bright mail to put out goods for May18th, but I will donate it to another local ministry nearby. I will still support you this ministry but will not count on them for our block pick up. read more

I have been volunteering for 8 years with our company as part of giving back I can say every time I come to Metropolitan ministry we are always greeted with a smile. Everyone is always helpful and we have fun with everyone keep doing what doing and we will keep volunteering thank you again read more

Donate here!! MM has multiple drop off locations around Tampa Bay. I've only been to this location. Drop offs have always been assisted smoothly and quickly by friendly volunteers. Huge local charity serving 75,000 meals per month, and offering shelter or affordable housing to families in need. They also provide education, support, and social programs. read more

I got to Florida from Pennsylvania, called them and let them know that I was homeless with a child and they told me to apply and I did by internet. They told me to call them. A month and a half later I still have not heard from them so if I would of depended on them I would still be homeless with my child. No empathy, no nothing like if you were a piece of garbage !! read more

Went in to apply as a naturalized citizen and Scott one is the workers there. I asked if I was a Trump voter, being that I am second generation, immigrant, a lot of his policies go against what I believe. I let the gentleman know that and he went around and called ICE on me and left me with a three day ordeal trying to prove my citizenship, this despite being born here and paying my taxes here. Go anywhere else, and avoid Scott. read more

I went into this place to get a turkey dinner cuz I have no family I'm here in Florida by myself and they had the news crew there filming them giving away free food so that they can get more donations but they wanted me to go sit down and be filmed and possibly on the 5 a clock news just to get a turkey dinner are you kidding me that was most disgusting display of how they extort the people into believing that they're doing good things for the community thanks for my dinner pastor I will make a turkey sandwich and be thankful to God. read more

this is not a good place . they do not help you improve or give you the right resources they tell you to do it all on your own . they even kick out mothers and children knowing they are going to be living on streets . please Che k. before donating to them they are not god fearing organization. read more

Metropolitan Ministries is an amazing place that helps the homeless and makes sure they can have the life skills, and everyday tangible and non tangible items that we take for granted. Metropolitan Ministries is its on campus. They provide food, housing, youth programs for children, life skills for adults, and resources to assist them with benefits such as food stamps, social security, or medical assistance. Their campus consists of a school, thrift store, place to get their food, a park to name a few amenities. I had the opportunity to volunteer with them this week. I always saw Metropolitan Ministries on the news. I knew that people always volunteered there, but I really never knew what all that they did. What they do is amazing and unforgettable. The care that they take for individuals to help them build a better life for themselves is really what it is all about. There are so many volunteer options available all year long, and especially at this time of the year when Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming. Some of the areas for example include assisting in the kitchen, interacting with the clients through outreach, helping out with children through tutoring and mentoring, helping out through after school programs, and lastly being there for special events and programs such as during Thanksgiving or Christmas. If you have the opportunity to reach out and volunteer, check out Metropolitan Ministries and all they have to offer. It's definitely a great opportunity to help change a life. read more

Metropolitan Ministries - New 7-9 month residence for homeless single woman w babies and families - Food Banks Near Me - Tampa, Florida

All of your donations go for families and homeless needs. The articles that are sold are given 100% back into ministry for food other needs for the families. read more

Dear Metropolitan Ministries, It's been over 2 weeks since our case manager Megan at the North Tampa branch had advised me that someone from the "recovery" department (due to my prior "drug" use) would give me a call so that I can start the so-called therapy, and then get my child and I's name on the wait list for assistance. Meanwhile. Two phone calls and voice messages to our case manager named Megan with no response from her or your recovery department makes me go...hmmm? Ultimately you all are giving me lots of reasons why I shouldn't donate nothing to this organization once I get my life back on track. Why would I want to donate to an organization who doesn't place woman and her young child(ren) and even has denied those with disabilities(see previous reviews on Facebook) on a wait list? Basically denying us assistance! You all haven't helped us one bit! 2 days of being screened by y'all and hoping to get assistance, and nothing? But! During my situation, I've learned not to completely depend on the government to get my "stuff" together! I can only depend on me to do so. Quite honestly, I'm doing well by just getting it together on my own. It's hard yes! Do I have sleepless nights sometimes? Yes! Hence, all in all I don't have to go through the government red tape BS, and jump through hoops just to get out of my situation! I'm so close to shutting this chapter of our lives down, and starting fresh without Metropolitan Ministries' or the government's assistance! Thanks Metropolitan Ministries and (Megan) for completely ignoring our voice mails, wasting our time(2 days worth), and ultimately not assisting us at all!!! Blessings are steady coming at our way MM, which will create a testimony for me! MM, when we get over our situation, it'll just be water under the bridge. SMH. read more

This is the first time I've ever volunteered my services anywhere (outside of my son's schools) so I was a little nervous and didn't know what to expect. My husband, son and I did a morning volunteer shift over the weekend and had a great experience overall. We did a kitchen/prep shift but they have many different volunteer opportunities on their website that you can sign up for. The woman my son and I were assisting was actually a resident here for a bit of time. Metropolitan Ministries helped her get back on her feet and she in turn continues to provide her services here, going on 5 years with the ministry now! She was upbeat, friendly and a pleasure to work with. Everyone that we talked to was nice and they sure had a lot of volunteers the morning we were there. It was awesome to see so many people, probably from all walks of life, working together. They serve hot meals and lunchboxes for people in need around the Tampa Bay area. Their cafe and catering service, Inside the Box, gives the proceeds from the food they sell in their downtown Tampa location back to the ministry. They do so many good things here! And this was just the food side! I can't even begin to imagine all of the other services they offer here. My son had a good time and I hope he came away with something positive. I know my husband and I did. We will try to volunteer our services more here in the future and also in our own community. read more

This facility help a lot of family that needs shelter. They allow family to stay at the property until they can stand with there own feet. A lot of students and professionals come and volunteer for a great cause. Had fun volunteering at this ministry and was able to serve even for a short period of time. Great job every one! read more

Wow has this place grown over the years. It offers so many services, they are too long to even list. I went to a volunteer orientation and was in awe of what sat behind the nasty, plain building you see outside. I know this is a favorite charity here in the Bay area and it should be, it does so much for our community and their new motto is "HOPE", changing the face of and offering HOPE to everyone in their programs. This is such a beautiful philosophy and so encouraging to the participants. Touring the facility you can definitely see there are some very generous backers to what started as a humble help the neighbors, outlook to an ever expanding reach outside of Hillsborough County and into Pinellas and Pasco. One issue still bothers me after the orientation and it is not some og their bright shinny toys, they earned them. During the presentation it showed the "faces" of homeless and gone are the people sleeping on benches and outside. They also stated they have at least a 3 month waiting period. I know they can't help everyone and who ever walks through their doors leaves with nothing less than a referal to go somewhere and try to gain assistance. Homeless, for many is still sleeping on that bench or ground, standing in food lines and bathing in a 7-11 sink. I know some of those people and a park full of them, not far from where any of us live. My church takes them meals, food, hygiene products, clothes and blankets. Yes, I love Metropolitan Ministries and all the wonderful work they do to try and get individuals and families back on their feet with dignity and productive members of society. But, I can't forget all the haunted helpless faces I have seen in parks and if you happen upon the ground, which they feel is their safe "home". The homeless that have made it into Metropolitan Ministries are truly blessed, but as a community we can not forget about those that are outside and every day is another fight to survive. Is it their ( the homeless person and/or their families) battle or should it be fought as a community or village as Metropolitan Ministries does, they have a village approach? We all need to pitch in and be a village for our fellow mankind, that are down on their luck. What's a girl to do? I am not a village, I alone can only do so much! read more

Metropolitan Ministries - Volunteer of month, not me...yet - Food Banks Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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UNBELIEVABLY RUDE PEOPLE called about the billboard on 19 with the word HOPE upside down saying let's do better this year REALLY we do what we can this year we will give NOTHING as a direct result of the sign called Tampa and was immediately given a speech about God I am calling about your sign I talk to God on my own terms don't need a speech from a stranger their billboard is a DISGRACE and so was the man I spoke to on the phone how sad I will add that I am not the only one who feels this way read more

The workers and volunteers are very rude, they will stop mid conversation with you to chat with their coworkers, they speak over you, and personally did not listen or understand what I needed. I was looking for hygiene showers laundry type service and it took them 3 hours to tell me they don't offer that, after waiting in line 4 times of course. read more

Dear Metropolitan Ministries, Please get your shit together !!!! Youre a sham !!! You treat your residents like shit. Thanksgiving dinner was an embarrassment !!! You have the audacity to force the residents to stay there to make you look good in front of the cameras and then you proceed to serve them processed turkey with a substance y'all called stuffing. The kitchen is a hot mess. Stale food, under cooked meat..... My family member got food poisoning twice while being there. The dishes are not properly washed. They just run them thru hot water and thats it. No soap. You go to grab a glass or a utensil and you see the food or the imprint of someones mouth from previous use. Disgusting !!!! Then you have employees taking donations ( body wash, deodorant , soap, toothpaste etc ) that were meant for the residents home. Its a known fact and it has been documented with pics and videos. Then you have certain case workers there that need a personality adjustment or a slap. Rude, condescending and very unprofessional. When things get out of hand and you try to find the owner or whatever he calls himself ( Tim )he is never around. But then you see him a few weeks later walking around with those stuck up people in their suit and ties and they don't even glance at your or ask you how you've been or if there are any concerns that he might help you with. I'm going to stop writing now because with all that I have to say i'll get get a cramp. I'm glad my family member hauled ass. You people say that you serve Christ ?? I beg to differ. I nor anyone associated with me will be donating to your place. And if any of you residents read this please keep your head up, stay focused and get the fuck out of there. read more

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I was invited by Denise, the organizer of The Tampa Bay Bloggers, for a day of giving back at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent in Tampa. I had never volunteered for MM before, so I was excited to see what it was all about. I was able to bring some guests with me to help out for the 4 hour shift. Volunteering is always, ALWAYS better with friends ;) The Metropolitan Ministries tent is located at 400 West. Palm Avenue in Tampa (behind Blake High School near the Hillsborough River). It is set up seasonally, to aide families during the holiday season. Additionally, there are donation tents set up in Largo and Holiday. However, MM accepts donations and assists families and individuals in need all throughout the year, not just during the holiday season! Read more about their mission and services here. We spent our shift directly working with the clients receiving services at MM. When clients qualify for assistance, they are able to come directly to the holiday tent to "shop". We acted as personal shoppers for the clients, and it was such a rewarding experience getting to interact with them on a one-to-one level, instead of behind the scenes. Metropolitan Ministries is extremely organized, and has a seamless system paying attention to even the smallest details. The shopping area was divided into about 10 identical aisles and the volunteer would stand at the end of the aisle with a cart and a box, waiting for the client to be sent down to us. When they arrived, we'd guide them through their shopping experience, directing them to the different sections and telling them how many of each item they could choose. The quantity of the items they could choose depended on the size of their family. The shelves of each aisle were divided into sections: cereals, starches (rice, pasta, potatoes), stuffing, yams/pumpkin, canned vegetables, beans (dry and canned), canned fruit (including applesauce), cranberry, sweets and miscellaneous items. As they chose their items, we would bag them, then walk them to the area in the front of the tent to pickup either their turkey or chicken (individuals and couples received a whole chicken). Then we would return to our assigned aisle to meet another client and help them shop once again! I helped close to 20 clients during my shift. Some quietly shopped along, while others engaged in conversation with me. Some were nervous, some were teary, claiming they had always given before, but they just couldn't this year. Some were embarrassed, hoping to not be seen by someone they knew. Some were pregnant, some were immigrants experiencing their first Thanksgiving. Although they were all very different, the one thing they had in common was the fact that they were grateful for the help they were receiving this year from Metropolitan Ministries. They were grateful for the kindness of the volunteers, and the generosity of their community. My experience at Metropolitan Ministries was such a rewarding one. I'll be returning to volunteer some shifts before Christmas. If you'd like join me, please let me know! The tent will also be open for donations throughout the remaining holiday season. For more information on the drop off locations in the Bay area, visit their website. :) read more

I have volunteered for many years and this is one of the best organizations I have given my time to. I am new to the Tampa area and have never experienced a non-profit such as Metropolitan Ministries. The amount of services that they offer to individuals and families in need is incredible. From immediate needs such as food and clothing to resume and job search assistance, they truly are making an impact on our community. I encourage everyone to support them either by volunteering or by making a donation. read more

I had the opportunity to help out as a volunteer on 10/18/2012. The staff and other volunteers were friendly and happy to see others lending them a hand. The experience brought a great sense of awareness as to the work this organization does and how big of an impact it has in the local and surrounding communities. Extra thanks to Tiffany and the rest of the staff in the Volunteer Services Office and to Kenny and Richard in the Kitchen Staff! read more

Really awesome time with Starbucks volunteers and some great Metro Min staff like Tiffany and Jessica. Thanks for letting us come spend time there for the afternoon. read more

I have to wonder when reading these reviews, WHO ARE THESE IGNORANT, UNGRATEFUL INDIVIDUALS? I'm tired of people who are in line for every free program out there and then have the audacity to COMPLAIN about what they're TAKING and the people who VOLUNTEER to serve them. I've been in the position a few times in my life when I needed assistance, and I was damn GRATEFUL to receive any help that was offered. I was the wife of a military man who physically abused me on a regular basis. I was a young mother with nowhere to go and no family to turn to. I had "aged out " of the foster care system here in Florida, where incidentally I was BORN and RAISED. I thank God and the good people who were kind enough to help me in my times of need. I chose to show my gratitude by getting myself a job and NOT wallowing in self pity and keep having children I couldn't support. These programs and charities are here to offer a lending hand to those in need, not a permanent life solution for people that are too unmotivated to help themselves. Thank you Metropolitan Ministries and all of the kind, caring people who give of your time and/ or donations to help those who truly want to HELP THEMSELVES. read more

I took a group of High School students to volunteer. We worked across the campus; four worked in the kitchen helping to prepare lunch, three worked in the clothing boutique sorting clothes and assisting clients, and four worked in the food pantry stocking shelves and helping clients shop. A gentleman came in looking for sunglasses; one of my students shared it with me, saying that she had three pairs at home that she doesn't use. This experience deeply affected my students; they were so grateful to have gone. The message they share of giving back to the community through love and dignity is so important. Thank you, Metropolitan Ministries, for all you do! read more

My girlfriend and I try to volunteer weekly at Metropolitan Ministries. We call it our service date. It's a great way to learn about each other while serving others. At Metropolitan Ministries you can see HOPE in action, not just during the Holidays but throughout the year. By volunteering weekly I get to witness a lot of lives being transformed, and you can, too! If you want a great volunteering experience I recommend highly, Metropolitan Ministries. read more

A big thank you to MM for allowing our group to come and serve for the day. Our group consisted of adults and their children (8+) and we had the opportunity to serve in the after school care for PromiseLand, the warehouse, kitchen, Metro Outfitters, Metro Market and even off site at another food kitchen. We "prayer walked" and got to meet some of the residence. It was a wonderful day and not only did the children learn important lessons that day, but we adults did too. It's a privilege to serve others and to serve in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Oh, we also ordered our lunch through Inside The Box Café and it was delicious! It's awesome to know that every time you buy a meal from them, you are feeding another! God bless all of you at MM for the work you do. You are changing lives and making a difference in our community! Mai Grace Hunter, Generations Christian Church Trinity, FL read more

I had volunteered there many times before but the last couple of times were disappointing. I found that there was no direction, no instruction on the part of anyone to explain what needed to be done. It seemed as though the staff were too busy trying to handle their own problems than to explain things to us. read more

I have thorougly enjoyed my time volunteering with Metropolitan Ministries! They do their best to place you in an area you are intereted in and really use their resources well (including volunteers!) to serve the homeless community of Tampa Bay. read more

This is my second time bringing young adults from the University of Illinois to Metropolitan Ministries for service. The only sad part of our experience is that we did not have the opportunity to spend two days for service. The people we worked with are so selfless and cheerful in their giving that it inspires all of us. We will pray that your ministry among the homeless of Tampa will continue to do so much good for those you serve. May God bless you! Yes, we will be back next year. read more

This place was awesome. We had so much fun. The 15th of February was the first time my group and I had been there. They we very nice and welcoming. It was wonderful volunteering for them, so if you are looking for a place start there! read more