Very respectable here ! Very clean and honest people working here! They have 3 feeding times listed and dinner is at 5:30 pm , they have table seating inside .. read more

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But for the grace of God go any of us. The blood red doors, blood red, it's said, for a reason. The firm I joined early two years back now volunteers. That meant a great deal to me but I never had found the time to go. Today I found that time. One reason I went was in direct response to the SNAP benefits cruel debacle. This, I thought was better than marching - walking beside and offering a helping hand. Mercy, empathy and compassion are the marrow in the national spine - the international backbone. What was to have been an act of personal protest morphed into something unexpectedly different. We've become an outwardly more calloused land of late, where selfishness and insensitivity are worn like badges of honor. They're not; they're a stain on our image to the world - worse: to ourselves. I didn't do much day except hand out chips and offer supportive subtle enthusiasm. No one will remember me nor should they - I was fortunate enough to arrive and depart as a day tripper. But it's the faces that haunted me. You never knew what lead each man and woman there or what their fate would ultimately be. Yet here we were. Crossing fates in the same hall. And there was this unspeakably overwhelming sense as nearly two hundred hungry souls filed by us as we doled out chips and hot dogs and apples that we the dilettantes were happy to do. I felt we stood at the edge of a vast sea of unknowable suffering - that our few hours were a drop of living kindness, as the Buddhists call it, in this sea that's always threatened to drown the world. I can't put my finger on this sense of today except to say I'll return to learn perhaps a greater understanding. And the staff. They reminded me of that humbled awe I felt for 9/11 and covid first responders. I may not change a single life for the better except mine handing out child but I know that offering a helping hand to those struggling in need is what defines humanity and defies inhumanity. I'm grateful I experienced this. And even catching the glimpse of so many as they passed was a bracing wake up call to what's really going on. Thank you. read more

This place is terrible, the food is just something to put in your stomach the security guards talk down to people and the staff is very very rude, when you're online waiting to get in people always skip in front of you and they let them they also play favorites there's an old man they let him come to the front of the line every morning not fair. I wish there was another place we could go for food cuz it's obviously a scam and the higher-ups are pocketing the money read more

I volunteered on Christmas lunch and was blown away by the passion and kindness of the staff and the clients we served. Everyone showed gratefulness and I was impressed with the staff and their drive to serve the needs of this population. God bless their work! read more

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Oh my goodness, what an amazing experience for me. I love to volunteer but this particular organization has just become dear to my heart. This was my first time volunteering with the Bowery Mission. It happened to be the same day that songstress Alicia Keys would also volunteer as well by serving food to the less fortunate and homeless population. Her presence truly put smiles on the faces of many people which touched my heart. I learned by speaking with a regular worker, that help is needed year round at the Bowery Mission, they provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday to hundreds of people. A fellow volunteer spoke about how he used to be homeless and care there often for meals. He said that it is easy for a person to end up in that predicament and said something that I always say, "Life happens". He also mentioned that he is grateful for places like the Bowery who provides endless meals. I will be making plans to incorporate this organization into my lifestyle by committing to volunteer more than once a year because help is needed everyday in every way. I invite you to jump onboard too to bless someone else in need. read more

I have been aware of this organization for quite some time; I wanted to volunteer years back with an old mate for Thanksgiving, but they had enough volunteers. So as I am relocating in October, I realized I had about 15 pairs of sneakers that I had no use for, but were in excellent condition. I called, told them I had a bunch of sneakers to donate and could I bring them by. They happily agreed and told me to come any time. On my first visit, I was greeted by a nice staffer and dropped the sneakers. I returned the next morning before work and this time many of the people who receive the services pounced on me (in a good way). I felt happy that I could assist people who are in difficult circumstances with sneakers that I no longer use. The sole negative is they don't pick up. I would have a bunch more stuff for them if they would have picked them up, but instead I donated to a church who came and retrieved the items. read more

In a previous life I worked in homeless services. I walked by the Bowery Mission yesterday and started a conversation with one of the men waiting outside. I don't know if he had been inside. I thought he was waiting with the others to be called in. I wanted to know if it had been renovated after all these years. I described the conditions I had seen at one time. His response was "like being in jail". After he shook my hand to part I thought to myself "exactly". I had heard that tune over and over from the homeless. I think I also would rather take my chances on the streets. I'm giving them five stars for effort. I know how hard the employees work in a thankless job for low salaries. I also hope the tax payer funding has helped them institute improvements that were greatly needed. I would never want to discourage anyone from seeking help while getting out of the cold and off the street. read more

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I came to The Bowery Mission out of desperation, having escaped the horrific conditions at the BRC homeless shelter system. My first impression was that this place was too controlling. They controlled our schedule, we couldn't go out without "permission." We had mandatory Bible study to attend. So many men came and went in our shelter, mainly due to addiction, psychological problems, and violence or threats of violence. Several months in, many mid-level managers left The Bowery Mission. Our Spanish Harlem shelter was closed, and we were moved to the "main campus" on the Bowery. They blamed "money problems" for the lack of stability. Some staff became hostile (or displayed their hostility more openly). We live under constant threat of, "If you don't like it, then make your decision !" -- an allusion to moving back to BRC or worse, to the streets. There has been an undercurrent of coercion almost through everything. When many men banded together to complain about our living conditions and the move from Spanish Harlem, the response appeared to be retaliatory and vindictive. I'm close to "graduating" out of the programme, but The Bowery Mission is all of a sudden having trouble paying back the savings I entrusted with them. Yes, by all outward appearances, this place looks much more inviting than BRC. But, ultimately, the arbitrary and capricious way that "rules" are used against the men increasingly becomes too distasteful and too offensive. The Bowery Mission gets a lot of food and clothes donated, but many men don't get anything to wear but sweat pants, which they are forced to wear to Sunday church, if they are lucky enough to get permission to attend. The head mistress that runs the place now is heartless, and I refer to her as "Miss Hannigan" behind her back, after the terrifying role Carol Burnett played in the 80's horror classic, "Annie." Yes, we are provided with toilet paper, which BRC didn't provide when I lived in their Greenpoint shelter, but there's more going on here than meets the eye. Setting aside the financial problems and the triggering culture of vindictiveness and retaliation, I haven't yet seen the socially-conscious Reverend Mother from St. Bart's come to minister to the men, even once. She's advocated for a more just City housing policy, especially to help the homeless. There's something definitely wrong here. Please take everything written here seriously. read more

Hi, my name is Miss Eshte. The Bowery Mission, is forgiven on account of a civilian who bought me lunch when I asked for help. She was not affiliated with the Bowery Mission. She is a Christian. The Bowery Mission is a business. My story? I can't count how many times staff treated me like a criminal here I've been scared to death so many times By staff members who claim to serve Jesus While calm supervisors looked on And asked Me If I needed an ambulance for my anxiety They helped me out It was like a bad relationship I outgrew it I'm done with eating my food here in fear At any given moment a staff member refusing to leave their attitude at home would pick on me. This is a good place if you are desperate I'm not a victim Just staying out of their way God's limited blessing remains with them There are many who need their services But I won't be there anymore God was done with Me being there Amen read more

One of the best places to volunteer, meet new people, get a different feel on different people in our city. It's always great to take time to volunteer and give back and the Bowery is one of the best places to do so. You meet a lot of people with different stories and also get a feel on how to help and give back in different ways. I spent an afternoon here making lunch for the homeless and through out the process I learned a lot about our community and also met other people who were in to volunteer. I would love to do this again. It's an amazing opportunity. read more

The Bowery Mission - Food Banks Near Me - New York, New York

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Never knew this place existed, but just started charity work, so it was a great start. While driving, you may just pass this place up if the bus isn't right out front. I passed it twice the first time. There are a good deal of people that stand outside (at least there were the first two times I went), but they are usually very friendly. They determine how much you donate by the weight. Fill out a form, and be on your way. They accept pretty much everything, but just be considerate and bring clean, decent things. Street parking, but not in the front, so don't get yourself a ticket. The parking around there is sort of confusing, however, just read the signs. If you have a lot of things, just have someone stay in the car while you drop them off. It seriously takes only about 4 minutes. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your experience here! It's a bit far for me to volunteer at, but I can always do holidays or days off :) read more

The Bowery Mission - Food Banks Near Me - New York, New York

I had volunteered here once years ago and which was great and I had no complaints. The reason I'm giving them 1 star is some of their poor tactics on guilt tripping people to provide for the Bowery Mission. Overheard a commotion near a construction site and found out the company that runs the project was providing turkey for employees and workers for the holiday. While I am in full support of giving back to the community and donating, I don't agree with screaming and yelling at people and guilt tripping them in giving up food that's being offered to their workers. Yes, donating to those who are in need is respectable, but don't go hounding people for the decisions they make. It's sad and disappointing to me seeing the Bowery Mission stoop this low. read more

The Bowery Mission and Bowery Ballroom are not to be confused. I bet you didn't know that sometimes The Bowery Mission eats lobster. The roof is painted white for a cooling effect. Some residents get sent on assignments to faraway lands such as Haiti for relief work. Everyone who graduates from The Bowery Mission walks away with $3,000 in savings. The goal of the program is not to convert everyone to Christianity but to get everyone back on their feet. read more

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The Bowery Mission is AWESOME! I brought a bag of my used clothes in great condition and they took it all. I will be making more visits to them. God Bless them. read more

This is one of the organization I have supported throughout the years. The Bowery Mission is an excellent location to share your time by either helping to cook or distribute meals not just during holidays, volunteers are needed all year round. You can also drop off clothing for the less fortunate here. This is a wonderful mission of love & hope. You can also create packages for love which can include socks, gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste, wipes and little treats. Lastly, you can make a monetary deductible donation & can request a receipt if you please. They have this cool Vintage metal box where you sick your money envelope in and spin in your donation. Please stop by and help the Bowery Mission in whatever capacity you can. Remember folks anything can help, if it comes from the heart. read more

A beautiful place that cannot be described until you are seated in a service and sing praises to the Lord. Those who selflessly give without judgement to the homeless and others in need. A place where you are welcome when no one else wants you. We wont see the supposed champions of the poor and oppressed opening their homes to, or even volunteering at the Bowery Mission. Where we DO see Christian families even bring the babies to go amongst the homeless. To work, cook and clean in the kitchens, to feed and clothe the poor and those less fortunate. This is not a government run facility and neither are the other notable Christian institutions that quietly serve (often thanklessly) and give hope to thousands of those who hit bottom. read more

The Bowery Mission provides free breakfast lunch and dinner as well as showers shelter and free clothing to the needy..it is a great place to volunteer read more

My parents and I went to volunteer on Christmas morning. I had made many donations there in the past, but had never done work there. It was grounding and humbling. We worked in the clothing room with about 6 other volunteers, sorting, folding, pairing, and organizing an entire wall of clothes and shoes. Satisfying in so many ways, and we will be back soon. read more

Do you know that anyone can walk in here and get a free meal regardless of who you are? If you are hungry, need a hot meal, and attend the church service at 6pm, you can get a nutritious, fulfilling dinner (or breakfast or lunch) any day of the week. I have been volunteering on and off in the kitchen for the last 5 years and have seen people devastated by poverty, illness, abuse and drug addiction, scrapping their meager lives together in one of the most prosperous cities in the world. I recognize a couple of men (we can call them clients) from the streets, or from years of being on the streets, show up sober and have a dinner. To recontextualize our exchanges from avoidance of eye contact and ignoring to one of hello and pleases and thank yous is an experience. If the worst of whining is mainly about your crappy iphone, or how the barista at starbucks ruined your mochachino, they are currently serving slices of humble pie at the mission. read more

On their web site right now it says they are in urgent need of men's pants! http://www.bowery.org/ But they also take women's clothes too. They said they are also in need of NEW underwear , bath towels, twin sized bed sheets and blankets. I see my neighbors literally throwing away good used towels sheets and blankets. Many non profits and food pantries go in need in the summer and are forgotten. I am just posting a reminder and getting my own donations together. read more

It's a humbling experience to dish out soup and bread to over 200 down and out New Yorkers. Though we all may fancy ourselves to be 'foodies', 'foodists', 'gourmet's', etc, there's no one who appreciates food more than someone who doesn't have it. read more

New York can get really cold in the winter so the shelters tend to fill up quicker than you can imagine. The Bowery Mission has done a great job at housing as many as they can. I once brought blankets to donate. On the street, there were several homeless men on Bowery St. and I ended up giving the blankets to them. They ripped at the box and surrounded me. I was happy to help and felt terrible about their situation that they had to fight over (what was to me at the time) nothing. Unfortunately, the Mission has a hard time. I tried bringing my father-in-law here but they were already full... They take women and children in first which makes sense. I gave them five stars though because I understand how difficult it is to maintain a place like this. I used to actively volunteer at a shelter in Boston. read more

I wonder if heaven got a closet. For a young sweater like me, I'm nothing without a body, I posit. I wonder if heaven got a closet stationed in NYC, with Yelp applausin it. Someone needs me to be free! I wonder if heaven got a closet for a young sweater like me. Tip: Entrance for clothes donations is to the left of red doors. read more

Don't understand Chinku's review. The B M is a place for homeless men to get their lives together again: addiction services, literacy and job skills, and housing and health care, as well as meals are provided to them for free. A wonderful organization. read more

Free Thanksgiving dinner? Check. Feeding people who really need a meal? Check. Not being evicted from their now shee-shee address? Check. 5 Stars? Of Course..... read more

Helped serve 200 meals yesterday to the less fortunate. Roughly 5% didn't need the meals but since there is no way to decipher who's homeless and who's not conclusively, the mission does not turn anyone away. There were some that took advantage of the system and had seconds. Meal of the day was Tuna Pasta with green salad and a fresh green apple. pics: http://www.meetup.com/teamfoodie/photos/407054/ read more

I've volunteered here twice and it's pretty awesome. Amazing, caring staff. Very organized. I've worked in the back cleaning the pantry as well as served breakfast and lunch. This facility serves hundreds of those in poverty in the NYC area. You can also donate and drop off your used clothing here! My only complaint is that sometimes it seems like there are too many volunteers for serving and people get a bit anxious not feeling like they are contributing. Great for groups looking to give back or for a bonding experience! read more

I think user Chinku meant to review Bowery Ballroom, not Bowery Mission... (I specifically wrote this review to sort of speculate about the confusion) I've not been inside the physical building but I've always seen their vans near the area. It's always good to acknowledge the people behind this organization and I hope they continue with their mission to serve people who most need it. I looked at their website and here in Yelp to find information on how to donate, although I'm not sure if my clothes would be of help. At least the jackets and coats could benefit someone in this cold. read more

You have to sit through huge lines and are forced to sit and pray through their religious dogma. This who place is very depressing. The guard or people that tell you what to do talk down to you like you are not a human every time I've been here. read more

thank god for this bowery mission and all the beautiful-hearted volunteers helping out to make sure we are taken care of in all our basic and necessary needs. its these good people and their good works that encourage me to pay it forward...to volunteer some of my spare time to give back. instead of watching tv or doing nothing of importance....i'm definitely considering donating my time and my heart to give back to those in need such as myself. paying it forward is something i believe we all should do for each other at one point or another...the world, the city, the town, even the block or our apartment complex will become so much "better"...not only as individuals but as a group in general..and that's what it's all about any way!!!!! peace---love---enpathy---allways read more

The Bowery Mission - Food Banks Near Me - New York, New York

This place is horrible do not believe the other reviews they are misguided. As a person who have used their services I can tell you exactly what they are like. The staff is rude, money grubbing and cruel. when it was cold the city forced them against their wishes to establish a temporary cold blue shelter. They were unhappy about this and did their best to discourage you from staying. I was told since I have a job and I am actively attempting to fix my current situation I was barred from staying there and using their services. In the staffs own words and I qoute "I don't care where you sleep or how cold it is, you ain't sleeping here. Is a job worth more than having somewhere to sleep? Come here early tomorrow around 5pm for the service and you can stay, no go away. Its too late for this mess" I told them I had proof of employment and my work hours. I didn't need a mat, I could sleep in a chair. I just didn't want be outside in the cold and have something bad happen to me or die. "not my problem, should've thought about that before you came after service." It was only 9pm. They try to act as though they want to help but they don't. They want you to stay in your situation so they can keep getting money. Money they don't even spend on the homeless. There chapel has a lice infestation that they know and don't care about. They receive large amounts of money that they keep for their selves. They only things they hand out are the really junk donations and they do that sparingly. The other day someone brought in a bunch of winter gloves. The man at the desk and the fat security guard took them. I asked for a pair and they told me to go buy it. When I was leaving I overheard them talking about selling the ones they weren't keeping for their selves. I am going to call the city and news reporters on them because this organization should not behave like this. They force you to sit for hours (it is not optional) in their chapel before each meal, yes their chapel with the infestation. It is 3am right now and I have to go the bathroom badly, I walked there hoping to use their restroom. The guard just looked at me while i was standing there knocking. It could've been a fatal emergency, he don't care. Eventually I got someone to come to the door, who immediately had a attitude, shouting "LEAVE" mind you I am not a trouble maker, I don't talk to anyone, I come to eat and that's it. There is no reason to conduct their self in that manner towards me. I tried to explain I just needed to use the restroom. He wasn't hearing it. He told me to go away very rudely. See the way it works there is this. They only do something if they can make a profit off it, and even then they will do the bare minimum and the staff won't even be the ones doing it. The make their volunteers do the work, they don't even pay them. If they ask about pay the start talking about how that's not God's way and such. Either they need a new staff or it needs to be shutdown. I know that sounds cruel but it's better than being treated like less than a human being just because your homeless. I've seen them mistreat many people and get away with it. They run a shelter, yep. Your never going to get in it though, it's for women only and if your not putting out they are quick to get rid of you. They also have a neat little money making program called the 7 day, basically they house you for seven days and then kick you out. Why? Because it's a revolving door. Everytime a bed opens they get more money for the person that fills it. It's funny how they talk about how they have no money and need donations but have expensive cars and very expensive sound equipment and projectors and all types of other stuff that costs money. And they are always buying new stuff for their selves. You want people to sit through your sermons so you can get paid? How about calling a damn exterminator so we don't itch to death sitting through it. I am calling the city and the irs on them. They need to provide accounting for where all this money is going and be audited. they are not gods people. This is not God's way. read more

I wanted my 100th review to be special, so I chose to write it on the Bowery Mission. I spend a lot of time eating and writing about food, but nothing can compare to serving it to those in need. Several of my friends have volunteered at the Bowery Mission and say wonderful things about it. I was grateful for my own volunteer experience here a few weeks ago through an opportunity at work. What a phenomenal place! We were given an eye-opening tour and learned so much about their residential recovery program. It was amazing to see the planning and thought behind it and, through listening to a graduate, the effectiveness of it. They provide discipline, structure, shelter, safety, education, financial training and genuine care. We also served lunch to 100+ people. It was neat to see how many donations the Bowery Mission receives from places like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. They prepare great meals for their guests. The Bowery Mission also has a constant need for men's clothes (particularly pants and socks). They have a great 'closet' where men can pick up clothes, even suits for interviews. Amazing to think of how one pair of pants we consider 'old' could contribute to someone finding a job. If you've ever thought about volunteering at the Bowery Mission, don't hesitate. You won't regret it. read more

I volunteer with a food rescue group in NYC and once we're done rescuing food from restaurants who would otherwise throw it out, The Bowery Mission is one of our drop off points. The employees are very warm and friendly. Even though I'm only there for a quick drop off, I can tell they're doing wonderful work and helping a lot of folks. They've got a great group working there and I always leave with a smile. read more

This place is not at all what it seems.Ive donated thousands of $ and brand named clothes for the pass two years.i recently volunteered my time to serve the homeless ,only to find that the staff were picking through and wearing the best donations.no one knew who i was .I also know for a fact that the mens transformational program is a sham.three people who I have encountered revealed to me that they were told that they would be able to work and save money for an apartment but instead were pushed out close to the release date.no job training .although doners like myself provide money for metro cards and birh certificates even expired licences ,these men were forced to pay back monies after employment.I thought myself,this is terrible.surley causes one to repeat the same lifestyle or relaps.not good read more

I've volunteered here every now and then for years through my church, including a few days ago. What strikes me is how nice everyone is (both program participants/residents and Bowery Mission staff). The warmth and gratitude from everyone really shows. It's really a joy to come volunteer here. read more

im in love with this place. i had my 22nd birthday party here and it was awsome. music is great people are great. you can usually get a drink within a min. or two. drinks are reasonable and the cover is only 10 and worth every penny. not a huge place but big enough for a good nights fun. read more