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.
Events
The 29th Annual Thomas Merton Center Celebrity Breakfast
The 29th Annual Thomas Merton Center Celebrity Breakfast will take place Thursday, May 18th, 2023. Guest Speaker will be Tom Moore, Assistant Coach of UConn Men’s Basketball.
New Home New Hope Capital Campaign
With our partners, the Catholic Charities Thomas Merton Family Center will provide wraparound services to our guests, helping them along their path to self-sufficiency in a newly renovated 13,000 square foot building at 1406 State Street in the heart of Bridgeport.
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
Groundbreaking for new Thomas Merton Center facility
The new Thomas Merton Family Center will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, March 31, 10 a.m. at its soon-to-be new location, 1406 State Street in Bridgeport.
Thomas Merton Center hosts City of Bridgeport to announce new homeless response initiative
BRIDGEPORT — Those experiencing homelessness in the city have another resource to get help. On Thursday at the Thomas Merton Center, Bridgeport's Health and Social Services Department announced a homeless care response initiative to help connect homeless people to...
Thomas Merton Center Celebrates Volunteers
GRATITUDE IS THE BEST ATTITUDE! Sending a HUGE THANK YOU to all our amazing volunteers that make it possible for The Thomas Merton Center to serve those in need. Without you we could not do the work we do -- providing meals, food pantry, day shelter, shower program as...