Links and Resources


The following is a list of food pantries, shelters and free-meal programs in Greater Cincinnati area. We will be updating this list regularly. 

If you or someone you know is unhoused, facing a housing crisis, or in immediate need of emergency shelter in the Greater Cincinnati area, it is recommended that you not contact individual shelters directly. The fastest and most effective first step is to call the Central Access Point (CAP) Helpline at 513-381-SAFE (513-381-7233). This line is operated by Strategies to End Homelessness, the CAP Helpline is the centralized intake system that tracks live bed availability across Hamilton County. Specialists will assess your situation and immediately place you or your family in the safest, most appropriate facility.

If you do not receive the needed help through the Central Access Point and choose to pursue direct contact with the listed resources, you should call ahead or check the organization’s website if possible before going, since hours, IDs, ZIP-code rules, and appointment requirements can change.

Anderson Ferry Church of Christ Pantry
380 Greenwell Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45238 | 513-832-4200 | Monday and Thursday, 10 a.m.–noon; eligibility may apply.

Bethany House Services provides comprehensive family shelter, trauma-informed care, and three daily hot meals at its Bond Hill campus.
4769 Reading Rd. (513) 381-SAFE (7233)

CAIN Market
4230 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223 | 513-591-2246 | Choice pantry open to all Greater Cincinnati ZIP codes; reported hours include Monday evening plus Tuesday and Thursday daytime.

Caring Place
6312 Kennedy Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45213 | 513-841-1499 | Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Christ Church Cathedral
318 E. Fourth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202; community meal Tuesday 5–6 p.m. and “blessing bags” Saturday 10–11 a.m.

Christ Community in College Hill
5819 Salvia Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45224 | 513-541-0303 | Food distribution Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–noon.

Church of the Advent Open Door Pantry
2366 Kemper Ln., Cincinnati, OH 45206 | 513-961-2100 | Open to people facing food insecurity; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.–noon.

City Gospel Mission - Daily: Dinner served at 7:00 PM. Provides free evening dinners to the public as well as shelter services.
1805 Dalton Ave, West End
(513) 241-5525

The David and Rebecca Barron Center for Men (operated by Shelterhouse) features 150 beds, three daily meals, laundry, and on-site medical/dental clinics at 411 Gest St. (513) 721-0643

The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women (operated by Shelterhouse) provides 75 emergency beds, hot meals, and rapid rehousing support at 2499 Reading Rd. (513) 562-1980

Faith Food Pantry
2000 Central Pkwy., 2nd Floor, Cincinnati, OH 45214 | 513-651-4673 | Grocery pickup; a local directory lists Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon.

FOCUS Cincinnati - Offers 4 free meals per month (Alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays at Holy Trinity Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Finneytown and Christ the Savior Holy Spirit Orthodox Church in Norwood. FOCUS also operates Food Pantries at these locations and a warming shelter during Winter months.
https://www.focusna.org/cincinnati/
sducasse@focusna.org
513-696-9863

Found House Interfaith Housing Network accommodates families and offers Greater Cincinnati's only temporary Pet Program so you do not have to leave your pets behind. 990 Nassau Street, Cincinnati OH (513) 471-1100

Freestore Foodbank / Liberty Street Market
112 E. Liberty St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-241-1064; general help line 513-381-7627
Open to all; Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Lighthouse Youth & Family Services - Operates emergency crisis centers for youths ages 10–17 (961-4080) and young adults ages 18–24 (569-9500)

LIFE Food Pantry is a community and faith supported organization that provides food, financial assistance and programs to those experiencing hardship in the greater Loveland area.
677 Loveland Madeira Rd, Loveland, OH, United States, 45140
(513) 583-8222

Mary Magdalen House - Showers & Laundry: If you need a safe place to clean up, charge a phone, or receive mail. They provide free showers, clean clothes, and laundry facilities Monday through Friday.
1629 Republic St, Cincinnati OH
(513) 721-4811

Mercy Neighborhood Ministries Pantry
1602 Madison Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45206 | 513-751-2500 | For residents of ZIP codes 45206, 45207, and 45212; Monday–Wednesday, 9–11:30 a.m.

Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen & Social Center
1730 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202, 513-621-6364; serves meals weekdays, generally in the morning through 11:45 a.m.

Queen City Kitchen
2386 Kemper Ln., Cincinnati, OH 45206, 513-961-1983; meals are reported Tuesday–Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

St. Leo Food Pantry
1860 Carll St., Cincinnati, OH 45225 | 513-921-1044 | North Fairmount/nearby-area residents; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 1–3:30 p.m.

St. George Interfaith Food Pantry
2554 Dennis St., Cincinnati, OH 45219 | 513-751-8771 | Monday and Tuesday, 6–7:30 p.m.

St. Francis Seraph Ministries
Mon–Fri: Breakfast at 7:30 AM; Dinner at 4:30 PM - Located in the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Dining Room. Offers a hearty, welcoming sit-down meal.
1615 Republic St, Over-the-Rhine
(513) 535-2719

St. Vincent de Paul Choice Food Pantry
Hamilton County residents; Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Wed. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat. 8:30 a.m.–noon.
1146 William L. Mallory Sr. St., Cincinnati, OH 45214
513-421-0602

SEM Food Pantry
East-side Cincinnati | 513-231-1412
Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 5:30–7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–noon.

Walnut Hills Pantry / Queen City Kitchen
2631 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45206 | 513-961-1983 | Reported pantry distribution Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.; confirm before visiting.

The YWCA of Greater Cincinnati runs secure crisis shelters for individuals and children fleeing domestic violence. You can call their dedicated crisis line directly at 513-872-9259

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