Street Ministry History

In 2026, St. Pete First Street Ministry celebrates its 31st year of serving our neighbors experiencing homelessness and hardship. What began in 1995 with a small group of volunteers serving meals near City Hall and Mirror Lake has grown into a multifaceted ministry providing meals, showers, clothing, and practical assistance throughout St. Petersburg.

St. Vincent de Paul

By 2000, Street Ministry had established a regular monthly supper at St. Vincent de Paul. Over the years, the ministry expanded from one evening a month to six opportunities to serve. Today, approximately 70 volunteers from St. Pete First prepare and serve meals five to six nights each month.

Teams of cooks prepare food in the church kitchen, while serving teams provide dinner to 100 to 150 guests each evening. In 2017 alone, more than 8,000 meals were served. Through economic downturns, staffing challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitment to serve has remained uninterrupted.

Today, St. Pete First is one of the largest and most consistent providers of evening meals at St. Vincent de Paul.

Salvation Army Computer Center

In 2018, Street Ministry began staffing the Job Center at the Salvation Army One-Stop in South St. Petersburg. Volunteers assist individuals with resume preparation, email accounts, online job searches, SNAP applications, transportation assistance, and other practical needs.

Although operations were interrupted during the pandemic and subsequent facility renovations, the ministry resumed in 2023. In March 2026, the center was renamed the Computer Center to better reflect its broader mission of helping individuals with a variety of computer-related needs.

Loaves & Fishes Thursday Café Lunch

In April 2024, St. Pete First partnered with Metropolitan Ministries and Christ United Methodist Church to provide a weekly hot lunch for those in need in downtown St. Petersburg. Meals are served every Thursday to an average of 85 guests.

Although leadership of the ministry returned to Christ United Methodist Church in late 2024, St. Pete First continues to provide volunteers and support.

Tuesday Bag Lunch Ministry

In March 2025, St. Pete First partnered with Open Arms Ministry and Christ United Methodist Church to launch a weekly Tuesday bag lunch ministry. Volunteers prepare and distribute lunches containing a sandwich, fruit, chips, dessert, and water.

What began serving approximately 60 guests each week had grown to more than 80 guests by spring 2026.

Monday Bag Lunch Ministry

In March 2026, Street Ministry expanded its outreach by adding a Monday bag lunch service at Christ United Methodist Church. Volunteers prepare and distribute lunches to approximately 70 guests each week.

Wednesday Shower Ministry

In 2024, Street Ministry assumed responsibility for coordinating monthly shower ministry events on the fourth Wednesday of each month in partnership with Gift'd Ministries' Born to Serve program. These events provide showers, meals, haircuts, clothing, and access to healthcare services.

After the hurricanes of 2024 disrupted operations, ShowerUp continued providing mobile showers while a generous donor made it possible for St. Pete First to purchase its own three-stall shower trailer. Delivered in December 2025, the trailer enabled the launch of weekly showers beginning in February 2026.

Today, showers are offered every Wednesday, staffed by St. Pete First and ShowerUp volunteers. By May 2026, as many as 46 individuals received showers in a single day, and efforts continue to expand this growing ministry.

For more than three decades, Street Ministry has demonstrated St. Pete First's commitment to loving our neighbors through simple acts of compassion, hospitality, and hope. Through meals, showers, clothing, and practical assistance, volunteers continue to share the love of Christ with those most in need.