Top 15 Churches in Bronx, NY Helping with Rent, Food, and Bills in 2025

Finding help in a financial emergency can feel overwhelming, especially when rent is due, utilities are late, or there simply isn’t enough food to get through the week. The Bronx has one of the highest rates of poverty and food insecurity in New York City, but it also has one of the strongest ecosystems of faith-based organizations offering real, structured support.

This guide ranks the top 15 churches in the Bronx that provide financial assistance, rental support, utilities help, food, and other basic-needs services. Every listing includes contact information, program highlights, intake instructions, and trust signals so readers can get help quickly and confidently.

The rankings use data-based criteria, not vibes: programs offered, accessibility, reputation, transparency, and equity of service. These churches consistently show up for their neighbors—and if you're in crisis, one of them can show up for you too.

How We Chose These Churches in Bronx, NY

We selected churches that physically operate or directly serve Bronx residents and offer structured assistance programs (rent help, food, utilities, emergency resources). Rankings weigh impact, accessibility, transparency, public reputation, and equitable access beyond church membership.

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: 4.8★ on Google (May 2025); strong community presence and consistent volunteer reviews.

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: 4.7★ on Google (May 2025); 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: 4.8★ on Google (May 2025); 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.Trust signals: High Google sentiment for inclusiveness and organization.

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.

Closing Thoughts

If you're in crisis, you don’t have to navigate it alone—these churches show up for Bronx residents every single week with food, compassion, and practical help. Reach out to at least one today; even one call can unlock the support you need. And if you know someone else struggling, share this guide—no one should have to face hardship without a community behind them.