PROGRAMS
All of our programs and outreach are rooted in our gospel values.
Our intense presence in the neighborhood allows us to achieve our goals, by providing both spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
“For when I was hungry you gave me food to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.” Matthew 25:35 – 36
DOLLY’S FOOD PANTRY
Our Food Pantry proudly serves over 140 registered families each week through an appointment-based system. Families visit us to receive a bag of weekly essentials. In addition, they can shop for fresh produce, bakery items, and other donated goods available that week. We maintain a detailed system that tracks information about our families, including the number of adults and children in each household. This helps us build stronger connections with our community and provide more personalized support to meet their specific needs.
Need to register? Bring your ID or a piece of mail showing you’re in the 19134 zip code and come register in person on Tuesdays from 10 AM–2 PM.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Middle schoolers from the Kensington area come together after school to form a “Change Lab”—a space where they take on advanced, hands-on projects and see them through from idea to finish. From making and selling bracelets to tending garden projects, students build real skills in creativity, collaboration, and follow-through.
We can’t wait to see what these students create and learn as the Change Lab grows—and the confidence and community connections they build along the way.
SUMMER CAMP
Mother of Mercy House offers a FREE Summer Camp for 30 local children! Running June through July, Monday to Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, our camp offers kids a chance to explore, create, and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. Campers will enjoy field trips to exciting Philadelphia destinations and beyond, along with art activities and cooking, dance, sports and much more. With limited spots available, don’t miss out on this incredible summer opportunity!
NO SCHOOL? NO PROBLEM!
When school lets out for a scheduled day off, Mother of Mercy House says, “No school? No problem!” On these days, students head out on field trips around the city, turning a day off into a day of discovery.
From must-see museums to hidden local gems, students explore Philadelphia as a destination worth knowing inside and out. Along the way, they learn to navigate SEPTA on their own, building confidence, independence, and real-world skills that carry well beyond the trip.
THE BACKPACK PROGRAM
We believe every child deserves all of the supplies they need to be set up for a positive school experience. This program is available to our registered residents in the 19134 area, who are always welcome to stop in when they run low, and we will make sure they have what they need. We supply everything from pencils to bookbags!
CLOTHING & DIAPER MINISTRY
We gratefully accept new emergency clothing items such as sweatpants, sweatshirts, athletic shorts, t-shirts (short and long sleeve), undershirts, underwear, and socks. We prioritize unisex items that fit a range of sizes and are suitable for men, women, and children. We also accept diapers and wipes of all sizes to share with our neighbors in need. Your support helps us provide comfort and dignity to those we serve.
MEDICAL CLINIC
Our partnership with The Sisters of Saint Joseph Welcome Center and Saint Joseph’s University Institute of Clinical Bioethics has brought a vital free clinic to our community. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to compassionate care, offering everything from routine checkups to specialized services, no insurance or ID required. Many neighbors are seeing a doctor for the first time in their lives. By meeting people where they are, we’re delivering dignified, meaningful healthcare and look forward to continuing this important work.
COMMUNITY LUNCHES
Our community lunches provide a safe, welcoming space for those in need, especially individuals experiencing homelessness or substance use disorder. Guests share a family-style meal alongside someone in recovery or with lived experience, fostering open, judgment-free conversation. These gatherings often lead to real change, with several guests taking steps toward detox or recovery.
We’re excited to be expanding these lunches to every Monday—and we need your help to make it happen. Just $8 covers a full lunch for one guest, so consider sponsoring a lunch or a Monday and be part of the change happening at our table.
WOUND CARE
We provide critical wound care to individuals suffering from untreated or infected wounds, including those caused by Xylazine, a powerful animal tranquilizer increasingly found in street drugs.
Xylazine wounds are often deep, slow to heal, and extremely painful, especially for those living outdoors without access to basic hygiene or medical care. We currently offer wound care on Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am-12pm.
PHILLY ID PROGRAM
We are proud to be partners with PHILLY ID, a program that provides a secure and affordable photo identification card for anyone living in Philadelphia, age 13 and older.
Having a valid ID is essential for accessing housing, healthcare, employment, public benefits, and recovery programs. Without it, people often face barriers that keep them trapped in cycles of poverty, addiction, and homelessness.
Donations to the MoMH help to keep this service free to our neighbors!
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
One of our community events is our Christmas party, where over 100 families have the opportunity to shop for four gifts per child. This year while our parents and elves wrapped the presents downstairs, children enjoyed crafts and a visit with Santa upstairs.
Everyone shared a delicious lunch and a beautifully decorated cake, all catered by a local woman community member. The day was magical.
COAT DRIVE
Maria Middleton was a compassionate and dedicated young woman whose kindness left a lasting impact on her community. Before she passed away in high school from cancer, she devoted herself to helping others, including organizing a coat drive to ensure children and families had warm clothing for the winter.
Maria’s legacy of love and service lives on in the Mother of Mercy House Community. This year alone, we brought warmth, through coats, hats and gloves, to over 800 individuals in her honor.
THANKSGIVING AT MOMH
Thanksgiving is a time to remind every neighbor that they matter and belong. We help families celebrate by giving away turkeys, hams, and all the fixings needed for a full holiday meal at home.
We also make sure our unhoused neighbors get to celebrate, too, by serving Wawa Gobbler sandwiches, drinks, and individual pies during our Thanksgiving outreach. Everyone deserves to feel the warmth of the holiday and we’re honored to help make that possible!
Become a Volunteer
Your time and heart can change lives. Become a Mercy House volunteer and click the button below to sign up.