15 Churches and Faith-Based Programs in Bronx, NY Helping with Rent, Food, and Bills in 2026
Updated: 9 hours ago
Most church help in the Bronx is food: parish pantries in Mott Haven, Soundview, Fordham, Kingsbridge, Riverdale, and Wakefield, plus a few congregations that also help people navigate rent arrears and Con Edison bills. This guide lists 15 Bronx churches, what each one offers, and how to reach it.
For back rent or a utility shutoff, the city's One Shot Deal through HRA is usually the bigger source of money, and churches can help you prepare for it. Call before you go, since pantry days and hours change.
How We Chose These Churches in Bronx, NY
This list was first compiled in late 2025 from parish and church websites and Bronx food-pantry listings. In October 2026 we removed star ratings and review claims we could not verify. Pantry days for several parishes come from directory listings, not the church itself, so confirm by phone. Church programs change often, so treat every entry as a lead and call before you go. See our Editorial Standards for how we check these details.
1. Fordham Manor Reformed Church
A community anchor providing extensive food and emergency relief to Bronx families.
Primary Assistance:
Weekly food pantry
Crisis intervention referrals
Community clothing distribution
Best for: Families needing immediate food and essentials.
How to get help: 2705 Reservoir Ave, Bronx, NY 10468 • (718) 549-5515 • fordhammanorchurch.org
Fordham Manor Reformed Church is one of the most active church-based aid operations in the northwest Bronx. Its pantry serves hundreds weekly, offering produce, shelf-stable items, and basic necessities. The church is known for welcoming anyone regardless of background or immigration status.
Trust signals: strong community presence.
2. Holy Cross Church
A long-running parish providing food security and aid referrals.
Primary Assistance:
Food pantry
Holiday meals
Emergency support referrals
Best for: Individuals and seniors in need of consistent food support.
How to get help: 600 Soundview Ave, Bronx, NY 10473 • (718) 538-3000 • holycrossbx.org
Holy Cross is widely recognized in the South Bronx for its reliable pantry and compassionate volunteers. Their programs run on predictable schedules, making them accessible for residents who can’t afford surprises.
Trust signals: High satisfaction in local forums; praised for bilingual staff (English/Spanish).
3. Christ Church Riverdale
Offers multi-tier food support and strong community care programs.
Primary Assistance:
Weekly food pantry
Community meals
Emergency financial assistance referrals
Best for: Households needing stable, recurring food support and connection to city aid.
How to get help: 5030 Henry Hudson Pkwy E, Bronx, NY 10471 • (718) 543-1011 • christchurchriverdale.org
This Episcopal congregation is deeply involved in hunger-relief efforts, partnering with regional nonprofits for distribution. They maintain clear information and predictable service hours—huge for those navigating multiple crises.
Trust signals: strong partnerships with Bronx food-security networks.
4. Trinity Baptist Church
A high-impact church offering food security, utility aid navigation, and emergency resources.
Primary Assistance:
Weekly food pantry
Emergency meal programs
Casework referrals for utilities/rental issues
Best for: Rent- or utility-stressed households seeking navigation help.
How to get help: 808 E 224th St, Bronx, NY 10466 • (718) 515-1122 • trinitybaptistbronx.org
Trinity Baptist is known for its well-organized pantry and community outreach programs. Volunteers help residents navigate city assistance applications—critical for those facing eviction or shutoffs.
Trust signals: Positive reputation for transparency and incredibly welcoming staff.
5. Church of the Mediator
A mission-focused church serving food and essentials in Kingsbridge.
Primary Assistance:
Food pantry
Clothing bank
Emergency household support
Best for: Individuals needing both food and clothing support simultaneously.
How to get help: 260 W 231st St, Bronx, NY 10463 • (718) 548-3312
This congregation is deeply rooted in serving unhoused and low-income neighbors. The pantry is consistent, well-stocked, and staffed by multilingual volunteers.
Trust signals: Strong local credibility and active community involvement.
6. St. Jerome’s Catholic Church
One of the Bronx’s most active parishes in immigrant-community assistance.
Primary Assistance:
Food pantry
Emergency essentials
Guidance for tenants in crisis
Best for: Undocumented or mixed-status households needing low-barrier assistance.
How to get help: 230 Alexander Ave, Bronx, NY 10454 • (718) 402-0845
St. Jerome’s serves families in Mott Haven with compassion and high capacity. Their pantry lines are long—but they deliver, week after week.
Trust signals: Highly rated for community trust; Spanish-language volunteers readily available.
7. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
A North Bronx hub for hunger and essential relief.
Primary Assistance:
Food pantry
Hot meals
Utilities assistance referrals
Best for: Residents needing meal support plus city-benefit navigation.
How to get help: 777 E 222nd St, Bronx, NY 10467 • (718) 231-0840
St. Luke’s is known for weekday meal distribution and a welcoming, low-barrier intake model. They frequently collaborate with nonprofits to expand service reach.
Trust signals: Strong review sentiment for reliability and safety.
8. St. Margaret of Cortona–St. Gabriel Parish
A well-organized parish with established food security programming.
Primary Assistance:
Weekly food pantry
Holiday food distributions
Community assistance referrals
Best for: Families needing recurring food support and clear communication.
How to get help: 6000 Riverdale Ave, Bronx, NY 10471 • (718) 548-1800 • smcsg.org
The parish is known for its orderly service model and strong volunteer leadership. Their bilingual communications make navigating services smoother.
Trust signals: High community ratings, consistent praise for kindness and efficiency.
9. Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene
Large congregation with wide-reaching community programs.
Primary Assistance:
Food pantry
Community meals
Emergency aid referrals
Best for: Households seeking both food and community support structures.
How to get help: 971 E 227th St, Bronx, NY 10466 • (718) 515-8787 • bronxbethany.org
Bronx Bethany’s food programs operate at meaningful scale and include nutrition-focused offerings. Their volunteers often help guide residents to city and nonprofit aid.
Trust signals: large, well-established local presence.
10. St. Anselm & St. Roch Church
A South Bronx parish with a long record of community support.
Primary Assistance:
Food pantry
Essentials distribution
Family assistance guidance
Best for: Parents and seniors needing quick access to staples.
How to get help: 685 Tinton Ave, Bronx, NY 10455 • (718) 993-9450
St. Anselm is known for calm, efficient service despite high demand. Their focus on dignity and respect stands out across reviews.
Trust signals: Long-standing reputation; strong community trust in high-need neighborhoods.
11. St. Francis of Assisi Church
A compassionate parish deeply engaged in serving vulnerable residents.
Primary Assistance:
Food pantry
Emergency essentials
Aid navigation
Best for: Individuals navigating homelessness or unstable housing.
How to get help: 4300 Baychester Ave, Bronx, NY 10466 • (718) 324-5340
The church offers low-barrier access and collaborates with regional hunger-relief organizations. Volunteers often provide informal case support.
Trust signals: Reliable word-of-mouth reputation and consistent community turnout.
12. Our Lady of Refuge Church
A multilingual parish with active basic-needs support.
Primary Assistance:
Food pantry
Clothing distribution
Utility assistance navigation
Best for: Immigrant families needing support in Spanish or French Creole.
How to get help: 290 E 196th St, Bronx, NY 10458 • (718) 367-4690
The church’s multicultural staff helps reduce fear and confusion during crises. Their pantry is consistently reviewed as generous and well-managed.
13. St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church
A West Bronx parish with well-known food assistance programs.
Primary Assistance:
Food pantry
Community meals
Emergency essentials
Best for: Residents needing predictable weekly food access.
How to get help: 2345 University Ave, Bronx, NY 10468 • (718) 295-6800
St. Nicholas runs one of the area’s most recognized food distribution programs. Lines are long, but service is smooth, and volunteers speak multiple languages.
Trust signals: Strong neighborhood reputation and active partnerships.
14. St. Rita of Cascia Church
A supportive parish offering essential household relief.
Primary Assistance:
Food pantry
Meal programs
Utility and rental referral assistance
Best for: Families navigating sudden financial emergencies.
How to get help: 448 College Ave, Bronx, NY 10451 • (718) 585-0394
St. Rita’s programs aim to meet both immediate and ongoing needs. Their volunteers are known for being warm and patient, especially with seniors.
Trust signals: Trusted by local agencies; positively reviewed by longtime residents.
15. St. John Chrysostom Church
A historic Bronx parish with strong outreach to families in crisis.
Primary Assistance:
Food pantry
Clothing/essentials
Case referrals
Best for: Households needing immediate, no-questions food support.
How to get help: 985 E 167th St, Bronx, NY 10459 • (718) 542-6164
The church’s pantry is one of the most consistent in the area, focusing on dignity-centered distribution. Intake is straightforward and multilingual.
Trust signals: Long history of community trust and strong grassroots visibility.
Other Important Helplines and Resources in the Bronx
NYC 211: Citywide database for rental aid, utilities assistance, shelters, and emergency funding.
HRA Rental Assistance Programs: nyc.gov/hra – Apply for One-Shot Deals, utility grants, and SNAP.
Food Bank for NYC Locator: Maps nearest pantries and meal sites.
National Hunger Hotline (1-866-3-HUNGRY): Free, nationwide referrals to food assistance.
More Help in Nearby Cities
Looking for help outside the Bronx? These guides cover churches and ministries helping with rent, food, and utility bills in nearby cities:
Closing Thoughts
If you are behind on rent or have a shutoff notice, apply for a One Shot Deal through ACCESS HRA or call 311, and ask a church on this list whether it can help with paperwork or a referral. For food this week, pick the parish closest to you and call to confirm the pantry day. Housing Court papers? Call 311 and ask for free tenant legal services the same day.
More help in New York City
Every guide we have for New York City is listed on our New York City financial help hub. Related guides for the same area:
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