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
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
Every Thursday, *by appointment*:
Eat Smart Pantry – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Registration for Eat Smart Food Pantry requires ID for each household member, age and proof of address.
Thomas Merton Center Advisory Council
Dave Blagys, Edna Borchetta, Sheila Clancy, Lourdes Delgado, Jack Edwards, Thomas Gaudette, Louise Gidez, Mark Kelly, George Logan, Alberto Martins, Mary Ann O’Connor, Jo Toolan, Alexandros Valiantis
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
Thomas Merton Center Named Model Food Pantry by Connecticut Foodshare
The Thomas Merton Center in Bridgeport is thrilled to share that we have been named a model food pantry by Connecticut Foodshare! Thank you to all our supporters and volunteers who make the vital work we do in our food pantry each day possible!
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...
