Helping Hands' Services Open to All

Helping Hands serves people of all faiths and backgrounds with a mission of hospitality. The soup kitchen, clothing center and hot showers are open to anyone in need. Other services, including the food pantry and hygiene kits, are limited to East Toledo residents. Proof of residency must be provided.

Soup Kitchen

The soup kitchen is located in the basement of the former school and church. The entrance is located down a stairwell on the outside of the former school on the right side of the building. The former school is to the left of the church.

• Breakfast: Served Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Lunch: Served Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Additional services: Clothing, bread, produce, and miscellaneous household items are given away during meal times on a first come first serve basis when items are available.

Clothing Center

Residents in need may shop and select clothing items, shoes, and coats free of charge every 2 months. The clothing center is located in the former St. Louis church building and is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and every 3rd Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

Learn more on Facebook at: Helping Hands Clothing Center

Nutrition Courses

Catholic Charities occasionally offers Nutrition courses at Helping Hands St. Louis through the Ohio State Extension Services. Please contact Linda Kraft, Catholic Charities Lucas County Crisis Navigator, at 419.214.4905, for times and availability.

This 8-week course is highly recommended for those who feed or prepare foods for minors but is open to anyone who is interested. Students will learn budget saving tips, recipes, how to make healthy snacks for kids and more.

Students receive a free kitchen tool each week of attendance along with free food samples and a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

For more information, please contact Linda Kraft at 419-244-6711 ext. 221

Programs for East Toledo Residents

The services are available for clients living in East Toledo and surrounding areas east of the Maumee River in the following zipcodes:43402, 43412, 43616, 43430, 43434, 43447, 43460, 43463, 43465, 43551, 43605, 43616, 43618, 43619.

Clients must provide a valid photo ID and current proof of residency, income or financial support, and household members each time when seeking assistance.  Acceptable proofs of residency include a current utility bill or any mail with a current postmark and the client’s name and address.  Rent receipts or rental lease agreements will not be accepted as proof of residency.

Food Pantry

The food pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and is located in the former school, to the left of the former church.  This service is available once every 30 days per household address.

Hot Showers

The showers may be used on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and are located in the center’s basement through the entrance to the soup kitchen.

Food Stamps

Applications for food stamps can be completed on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Helping Hands of St. Louis 9:30 a.m.- noon and Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Appointments are available at both sites.

Assessments and referrals for other needs are also available if appropriate.

For more information please contact Linda Kraft at 419. 214.4905.

Hygiene Kits

Hygiene kits are distributed Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the pantry area. This service is available once every 30 days per household. Diapers, baby food, and sanitary napkins available upon request when in stock. Hygiene kits are not available on 5th Wednesdays.

Other Services

These items and services are provided based on available funding or product availability:

• Blankets
• Hats/Gloves/Coats
• Shoes (men, women, and children)
• School supplies (as available)
• Referrals

Important provisions:

We reserve the right to make changes to the services and schedule without notice, as needed.  We also reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who:

• Does not have ALL required information.
• Is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Is inappropriately dressed.
• Comes in just before closing time.
• Is unruly or causing trouble.
• Lacks adequate hygiene (e.g. excessive dirt, extreme body odor, etc.).
• Exhibits signs of infestations (e.g. lice, roaches, fleas, etc.).