OUR PROGRAMS
Our mission is to serve food to the hungry, build relationships that inspire the despaired, provide basic necessities and services for the poor, and teach and exemplify the message of Jesus Christ to all.
PROGRAMS
Weekly Meals
Each week, Pittsburgh's inner-city homeless and working poor enjoy a warm meal and fellowship at the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh. Volunteers staff 30 positions to prepare and serve a hot meal to over 100 guests. We laugh, talk, share stories and experiences, and minister to spiritual and physical needs. Lives are changed - including those of our volunteers!
Services
Many of our guests struggle to access services that may have a significant and long-term impact on the quality of their lives. At our weekly meals, we partner with Pittsburgh's organizations and experts to connect those in need with providers of healthcare, personal care, employment, housing, and pregnancy services.
Bible Study
We are a Christ-centered organization whose passion is to feed the soul. Separate Bible studies for men and women precede each meal. We teach and learn the Word of God and embrace the three graces of faith, hope, and love as inspiration for our ministry.
Clothing & Necessities
Toiletries or a warms pair of socks can be a huge blessing to someone who will otherwise go without. Through donations from groups and individuals, we are able to provide necessities like hats, socks, and other clothing, sheets and blankets, toiletries, and bagged lunches to men, women, and children of all ages.
LIVES CHANGED
Tina
When we first met Tina, she was in and out of camps, or living from couch to couch. As we continued to reach out to her and establish a relationship, we started to see her guard come down and she began to open up. She started volunteering alongside side us, serving those she once stood shoulder to shoulder with in the food line. Tina has gone on to secure housing, she’s working on her GED, and she volunteers every week – and even puts in extra time with the walk-in ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh. She has said she needs to “get my life in order” and with all the love and support, she is certainly on her way to doing that!
Keith
As hard times fell upon Keith, he got behind on his carpentry union dues and was unable to raise the funds to get reinstated. Because of the relationship we built with Keith over the years, he felt comfortable enough to reach out for help – something he struggled with in that past. He made it clear that he wasn’t looking for a handout, but, rather, a second chance. Through a series of God-driven events, Keith was able to get back in the union and has started working in the field he loves. His confidence has taken a major boost and he is looking forward to providing the best life for him and his wife.
Skip
As someone we served meals to on a weekly basis, Skip wanted to show his appreciation. So he, along with his brother, would help out in the dish room after every meal. After months of service, Skip told us that he applied at a local business and asked if we would write him a letter of recommendation. He got the job! Since then, he has held a steady job and continues to serve with us on his days off.
Lionel
Lionel would come in every week to grab a warm meal, but we could tell there was something lacking. As our relationship grew, Lionel opened up to us and asked for help. He told us that as he went on interviews, he felt that, based on this appearance, the employers had already made up their minds before he even said a word. We worked with Lionel to get him some clothes for interviews. He is much more confident now on interviews and is looking to get a job.
Mike
Mike was one of the first people we connected with when we were serving on the streets. He has always been quiet and soft-spoken, and it took months of our consistent presence and on-going interactions with Mike for him to begin to realize that our friendship and love were genuine. Once he opened up, we learned how hard life has been to him. It felt like he could finally trust in someone and not have to worry about getting hurt. Since then, Mike has become one of our most active volunteers. He serves every week (one of the last ones to leave), helps out with the food deliveries, and donates his time to the walk-in ministry with First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh.
Matt
From 2015 until August of 2017 I was homeless and living under the 31st street bridge in a tent. With the help of Outreached Arms, and the organizations that they have access to, my life has changed for the better. I am now living in section 8 housing. I have access to wonderful food and clothing, great friends, and help from services such as healthcare and housing options. I have learned the ins and outs of the available systems and my outlook on a lot of things have changed for the better.