MEALS, SHELTER AND SUPPORT
Thomas Merton Center
Bridgeport (Greater Bridgeport area)
The Thomas Merton Center is committed to providing a loving, safe and hope-filled community atmosphere that responds to the needs of its guests. Respecting the dignity of each person, we reflect to the individual and the community our shared responsibility to love and support one another. We believe the sharing of a hot meal is an invitation to come in and share in a place where one can belong; respect and love are mutually given and received; each person is valued and not to be judged; and healing life’s hurts is possible with people who care. Collaboration with other agencies and people is essential to meeting the needs of those we serve.
Services
- Meal Program: We serve about 400 meals every day for breakfast and lunch.
- Shower Program: Our showers are open to guests twice a week.
- Mail Program: This program provides an address for guests to receive Social Security, Medical Cards, and EBT Cards.
- Eat Smart Marketplace: The Eat Smart Marketplace is our Food Pantry that provides 5 days of nutritious meals every week!
- Case Management: Case managers provide individual assistance and partner with other agencies based on guests’ needs.
Upcoming Events
Friendsgiving 2022
EVERY dollar you donate this Friendsgiving will help put food on the table of a family suffering from food insecurity this holiday season. Your donation will be even more impactful this year given the rising costs of food.
Service Hours
Monday – Friday:
Breakfast: 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Lunch: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, Thursday:
Shower Program
Monday, Wednesday, Friday:
Eat Smart Pantry – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Stories from The Thomas Merton Center
Watch the videos below to learn more about how The Thomas Merton Center makes a difference in the lives of guests.
MORE FROM THE MERTON CENTER
Rescuing food to combat hunger in Fairfield County
Six hundred pounds of food. Thirty boxes of produce. Dozens of bagels and containers of yogurt. Such surplus quantities of fresh and non-perishable goods could go uneaten and unused in Fairfield County, squandering resources and creating unnecessary waste. Instead, Catholic Charities programs such as the Thomas Merton Center in Bridgeport and New Covenant Center in Stamford are benefitting due to a variety of rescue efforts.
Thomas Merton Center Participates in the House of Hope Food Drive
Food insecurities are still a very real concern for many people in greater Bridgeport. With inflation many more people are going hungry. "It's heartbreaking to think that there are people right here in Fairfield County who go to bed hungry every single night," said...
Thomas Merton Center: Recognizing the Dignity of Its Guests
The Thomas Merton Center Celebrity Breakfast returned after a two-year hiatus to raise thousands of dollars to assist Bridgeport’s most vulnerable population.
