The Father's Heart is a mobile ministry that brings food and other help to people across Rochester and the greater Monroe County area. It serves the homeless, along with families and individuals who are in need. There's no sign-up to receive help. You can just come to one of the weekly street outreaches, where the team hands out food and other items to anyone who arrives.
The Father's Heart serves people at different spots around the city each week instead of at one fixed location. The outreach schedule can change, so it's best to check the outreach schedule or their Facebook and Instagram pages before you go. If the weather is bad, an outreach may be canceled, and any changes are posted in those same places. Each week the ministry serves about 300 to 600 people.
At each outreach you can get a hot meal along with groceries to take home. The team also hands out clothing and personal hygiene items, plus Bible literature for anyone who would like it.
Food is given out through the Mobile Kitchen for Christ, which goes into the inner city of Rochester on Thursday and Friday evenings and on Saturdays during the day. Volunteers set up tables and lay out the groceries, clothing, and Bible literature, then hand the items to each person who comes. A hot meal is also prepared and served right from the mobile kitchen. Because the locations and times can change, check the outreach schedule before heading out.
Along with food and clothing, the team offers prayer and spiritual support. You can reach out by phone or email to ask for prayer or to see if there's a way they can help you or your family. Call (585) 647-6746 or email contact@thefathersheartroc.org.
The Father's Heart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs fully on donations. You can give online by credit or debit card or through PayPal, set up recurring gifts, or mail a check made out to "The Father's Heart ROC" to P.O. Box 1134, Webster, NY 14580. You can also buy needed items from their Amazon Wishlist.
For item donations, the ministry accepts drop-offs at its headquarters at 678 Lake Avenue. At this time it doesn't take bedding, clothing other than outerwear, furniture, household items, or toys. You can use the giving options page to learn more and set up a time to drop off. Drop-off hours at headquarters are Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 to 10:00 AM.
The Father's Heart is always looking for volunteers, and you can serve on your own, with your family or small group, or as a large group. There are many ways to help, from serving on the Mobile Kitchen for Christ to sorting clothing, making toiletry packs, picking up and unloading donations, helping with projects at headquarters, or joining the music ministry. To get started, fill out the volunteer form. If you lead a group, look over the schedule to pick dates, then contact Anne Loria at contact@thefathersheartroc.org to check availability.
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