The Cleveland Chesed Center serves individuals and families in the Jewish community who need help with food, household supplies, and clothing. Income guidelines apply, and you can view them here. Visitors have also noted that the center helps refugees from Ukraine and Eastern Europe.
New clients need to fill out an intake form before their first visit. Once it's submitted, someone from the center will reach out to follow up.
Complete the new client intake form online. The center will contact you after receiving it.
Clients can shop for pantry items once a month. Fresh produce is available for pickup every week.
The center treats every visitor with dignity and full privacy. If you can't come in person due to a medical concern, a need for privacy, or a special situation, you can request a private appointment or pickup by emailing ccc@jfsa-cleveland.org with the days and times that work best for you. Appointments must be confirmed by the office at least 24 hours in advance.
The pantry provides kosher food, fresh produce, pantry staples, and household supplies. Clients can also find men's, women's, and children's clothing and shoes in the clothing room, as well as soft goods like bedding and towels.
Clients come in to shop and choose their own food items. Staff are there to help, and can assist with carrying bags to your car.
For those who can't shop in person, the center arranges private pickups or deliveries for people with medical concerns, privacy needs, or special circumstances. Email ccc@jfsa-cleveland.org to make a request. A special Passover (Pesach) distribution is also held each spring for registered clients.
The clothing room offers men's, women's, and children's clothing and shoes in excellent, like-new condition, along with soft goods like bedding, tablecloths, and towels. Holiday clothing sales and a seasonal Pesach distribution are also held throughout the year.
You can donate money online through the JFSA donation page or mail a check made out to "Cleveland Chesed Center" to: Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland, 29125 Chagrin Blvd, Pepper Pike, OH 44122, ATTN: Development Dept. Donations are tax-deductible (EIN 61-1773183).
For donated goods, you can drop off clothing and soft goods in excellent, like-new condition on Mondays or Tuesdays between 9am and 12pm (up to 4 bags per visit). New kitchenware, new backpacks and school supplies, and sealed first-aid items such as Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment are also welcome. Books and Seforim require prior email approval before drop-off. For larger donations or drop-offs outside regular hours, use the material donation form. The center's Amazon Wishlist is updated regularly with items clients need.
Volunteers are always needed and help the center serve hundreds of families. Here's what's available:
Sign up through SignUpGenius for clothing room support, produce distribution, or food pantry support. For other opportunities, email ccc@jfsa-cleveland.org.
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