An Update from Hearts for the Homeless

Hearts for the Homeless has a food pantry that is open every Tuesday and Friday for four hours each day, faithfully serving individuals and families in the 14207-zip code. Rain or shine, in every season, their clients line up seeking food assistance—and they are blessed to be able to meet that need. Food insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges in the Riverside community, and they find it a privilege to be part of the solution. 

Their team of dedicated volunteers, many of whom have been serving with Hearts for years, bring more than just food to the table. They bring care, love, and compassion—qualities that have helped this ministry build lasting relationships with their regular clients while warmly welcoming new ones from all walks of life and nationalities. 

During their busiest times, their volunteers have served over 100 families in a single day—on both Tuesdays and Fridays. Despite the demands, they have continued to serve with grace and patience, attending to each family’s unique needs and concerns. Over the past year, Hearts for the Homeless has also had the joy of welcoming additional volunteers—some for a day, others for a season—who have stepped in to support their core team. They shared that their presence has been an incredible blessing, offering much-needed rest to their regular volunteers.  

Volunteers not only meet physical needs but also offer emotional support—listening when someone is grieving, praying with those going through hardship, and rejoicing when someone shares good news like beating cancer, expecting a child, or finding a new home. 

What makes the Hearts Harvest Food Pantry truly special is the kindness and compassion of the volunteers who serve there. Their work embodies the spirit of Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” 

We are grateful beyond words to be able to partner with Hearts for the Homeless and being able to witness all that God is doing through them!