Mary Brennan INN

The Mary Brennan INN was opened in 1983 by a small group of concerned citizens who organized and operated the soup kitchen out of a rented space in a storefront church in Hempstead. Since then, it has changed locations and has become the largest soup kitchen on Long Island, serving anywhere from 300-500 guests per day. In addition to four full-time staff members, the Mary Brennan INN is run by 125 regular weekly volunteers and a number of daily volunteers from community organizations, corporations, and schools. Touted as, "not just a soup kitchen," the Mary Brennan INN also has a clothing boutique where guests can choose donated items for themselves or their families, and a guest choice pantry that acts as a "grocery store" where guests can bring home non-perishable and refrigerated food items for the weekend when the soup kitchen is closed. It is also the only location on Long Island where guests in need can walk in and take a shower. Full-time licensed social workers are on staff to assist guests with needs other than food, such as referrals for housing, career, education, mental health and substance abuse, among other services. As with the other locations, the Mary Brennan INN has a "no questions asked" policy. Walking through the door of the soup kitchen guarantees not only a hot, nutritious five-course meal, but a safe space environment, free of judgement, where all requests for help are addressed in a dignified and swift manner. Hours of operation: Serves lunch Monday-Friday 11:30am-1:30pm