Street Ministry
Who We Are
St. Pete First Street Ministry serves our neighbors experiencing homelessness and hardship through meals, showers, clothing, and practical assistance. Whether preparing food, welcoming guests, or helping someone search for a job, volunteers share Christ's love through simple acts of compassion and hospitality. Our goal is to help each person we serve feel valued and respected.
No experience is required for any opportunity below—just a welcoming heart. Training is provided wherever it's needed, and retirees are welcome in every ministry; see each ministry area for specifics.
Read more about our history here.
Street Teams at St. Vincent de Paul
Time Commitment: 60–90 minutes, once a month—choose from 5–6 available evenings (cooking 4–5 pm; serving 6:30–8 pm)
Experience: No prior cooking or food service experience needed
Approximately 64 volunteers from St. Pete First serve meals at St. Vincent de Paul, with 5–6 evenings available each month for cooking and serving teams to sign up for. A team of cooks prepares meals in the church kitchen, while serving teams provide dinner to 100 to 150 people each night.
Choose from our current monthly schedule:
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1st Mondays - Cooking and Serving
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1st Tuesdays- Cooking and Serving
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2nd Tuesdays - Cooking and Serving
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2nd Wednesdays - Cooking and Serving
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4th Mondays - Cooking and Serving
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5th Mondays - Serving only
Street Ministry Lunches
St. Pete First partners with Metropolitan Ministries and Christ United Methodist Church to provide meals for those in need. You don't need to serve every week to make a difference. No experience is required—just a welcoming heart.
Monday and Tuesday Bag Lunches
Time Commitment: 10:30 am–noon, your choice of Mondays and/or Tuesdays
Experience: No experience required
Volunteers prepare approximately 75 lunches each day, including a sandwich, fruit, chips, a sweet treat, and water. Lunch prep begins at 10:30 am, and lunches are served from 11:30 am to noon at Christ United Methodist Church.
Thursday Hot Lunch
Time Commitment: 11 am–1 pm, Thursdays
Experience: No experience required
In partnership with Metropolitan Ministries and Christ United Methodist Church, volunteers provide a hot meal each Thursday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, assisting with setup, serving, and cleanup.
Shower Ministry
Time Commitment: 7–11:30 am, your choice of Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays (Tuesdays begin September 1, 2026). If you have less time available, talk to us - we'd still love to have you!
Experience: No experience required
Since January 2026, St. Pete First has offered free showers every Wednesday for those experiencing homelessness using our three-stall shower trailer located in the church parking lot. Beginning September 1, 2026, we will also offer showers on Tuesdays.
Volunteers welcome guests, schedule showers, distribute towels and hygiene kits, provide clothing, offer conversation and encouragement, and clean the facilities after each use.
On the 4th Wednesday of each month, this same shower ministry is part of our expanded Born to Serve outreach below.
4th Wednesday Born to Serve Outreach
Time Commitment: 9–11:30 am, 4th Wednesday of each month for meals, haircuts, healthcare, and clothing (showers follow the regular Shower Ministry hours above)
Experience: No experience required; all training provided
On the 4th Wednesday of each month, St. Pete First partners with Gift'd Ministries' Born to Serve program to expand our regular Shower Ministry (above) with haircuts, healthcare, clothing, and meals. Volunteers are especially needed for meals in addition to the regular shower ministry team.
Salvation Army Computer Center
Time Commitment: As little as 2 hours, one day a week, Monday–Thursday, 9:30–11:30 am
Experience: Basic computer skills helpful; all training provided
Monday through Thursday, St. Pete First volunteers help staff the Computer Center at the Salvation Army One-Stop in South St. Petersburg. Many of those served face challenges such as homelessness, lack of transportation, or barriers to employment.
Volunteers assist clients with resume preparation, email account setup, online job searches, SNAP applications, bus pass applications, and access to clothing and other resources.
Interested in serving on a Street Team?
Click here, choose "Computer Center Ministry," Shower Ministry" or "Street Ministry-Feeding," and submit your info to let us know you're interested. We'll answer any questions that you have and make sure you get connected.