MEALS, SHELTER AND SUPPORT
Thomas Merton Family Center
Bridgeport (Greater Bridgeport area)
The Thomas Merton Family 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 350 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
Stay tuned for upcoming events!
Service Hours
Monday – Friday:
Breakfast: 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Lunch: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Tuesday, Thursday:
Shower Program
Eat Smart Food Pantry Schedule
The Thomas Merton Family Center Food Pantry will be open for shopping on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Under the new schedule, we will be dividing shopping days by last name. Each family will still shop just once a month. To find yourshopping day, please see the chart below:
TUESDAYS: Last names beginning with A, B, C, D, E, F, G
WEDNESDAYS: Last names beginning with H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P
THURSDAYS: Last names beginning with Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
The pantry will hold open registration for new families every Monday from 10 am to 1 pm. We will no longer require advance appointments for registration.
Thomas Merton Family Center Advisory Council
Dave Blagys
Edna Borchetta
Sheila Clancy
Lourdes Delgado
Jack Edwards
Thomas Gaudett
Louise Gidez
Mark Kelly
George Logan
Alberto Martins
Mary Ann O’Connor
Jo Toolan
Alexandros Valiantis
Stories from Thomas Merton Family Center
Watch the videos below to learn more about how Thomas Merton Family Center makes a difference in the lives of guests.
Thomas Merton Family Center's 30th Annual Celebrity Breakfast Featuring Dan Orlovsky
Our services have evolved over the years to include the following:
Breakfast and lunch to over 300 guests daily
Case management
Healthy food pantry shopping
Showers and a mailing service for our homeless population
Largest day shelter in the region
Immigration legal services
Housing assistance
Through collaborations with other organizations, we will also be offering:
Healthcare, dental care, and mental health counseling
Job training
Classes through CT State Community College Housatonic
ESL classes
Financial literacy classes
Since relocating, our impact has grown substantially. Connie’s Eat Smart Marketplace Food Pantry program now supports triple the individuals and double the households, with a surge in new registrations. This underscores the urgency of our mission, echoing Thomas Merton's words, "Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another."
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Please follow us on social media to keep up to date with our latest news and events:
- Website: https://www.ccfairfield.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCFAIRFIELD
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catholiccharitiesdob/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccfairfielddob
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/catholic-charities-of-fairfield-county
Since 1916, Catholic Charities has served Fairfield County with programs that feed the hungry and homebound, shelter the homeless, strengthen families, assist with physical and mental health, and deliver consultation and assistance to immigrants. We serve all people without regard to age, race, religion, or ability to pay.
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MORE FROM THOMAS MERTON FAMILY CENTER
Thomas Merton Center Celebrates Fifty Years of Serving the Community
Discover the inspiring journey of the Thomas Merton House of Hospitality, from its humble beginnings in 1974 to its evolution into the largest soup kitchen and pantry in Bridgeport. Learn how this beacon of hope has provided meals, support, and community to thousands, and explore its exciting future as it expands into the Thomas Merton Family Center, offering comprehensive services to those in need.
Thomas Merton Family Center opens its doors at 1406 State Street, Bridgeport
The new location of the Thomas Merton Family Center held its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday. The newly built center aims to provide essential services to the homeless and working poor including hot meals, health care and job training.
Cutting the Ribbon on a Place of Hope and Hospitality
The dedication of the new Thomas Merton Family Center in Bridgeport was an occasion to celebrate Catholic social service, charitable giving, and the power of partnering with other health and social service providers to serve the most vulnerable in the Greater Bridgeport area.