Helping Hands

Social Ministries

Helping our brothers and sisters

“The only answer in this life, to the loneliness we are all bound to feel, is community.” These words given to us so long ago from Dorothy Day founder of the Catholic Worker Movement can easily be applied to the present reality we are all experiencing in this time of social distancing.

Despite the Covid-19 Shelter in Place order the call to serve the needy remains, possibly now more than ever as together we people of God chart these untested waters. We are connected to all people from every walk of life as together we pray for an end to the coronavirus.

Presently there are several local service providers, not affiliated with Holy Spirit Parish Social Ministries in need of immediate help.
Listed below are several opportunities that may be of interest for anyone wanting to help.

All volunteers should be 65 years of age or under and without preexisting health issues.

St. JULIE BILLIART PARISH

Through the Food Pantry ministry, the parishioners of St. Julie Billiart community embrace all people as children of God and reach out to care for those in need. In the past year, the food pantry has provided food to ~1,300 people each month. They are looking for volunteers to help sort and bag the fresh produce and healthy groceries they provide to neighbors in our community.

They are in need of 2-3 people on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-2pm. Volunteers should bring their own mask and will be trained on the spot. St. Julies will provide gloves and hand sanitizer.

Volunteers must be at least 14 years old (entering high school). For those over 18 years of age, the Diocese of San Jose requires they obtain fingerprint clearance and complete an online Safe Environment training course for adults. For information on how to do this please contact Nellie Dominguez at nellie.dominguez@dsj.org.

At this time, we do not recommend that seniors (65+) or anyone with a chronic health condition volunteer. If you are sick, please cancel your shift – any volunteer who is showing signs of illness will be asked to leave and return when well.

For more information or to volunteer at the Food Pantry, please call Thomas Connolly at 408-506-5640.

MARTHA’S KITCHEN

Located in the parish hall at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in downtown San Jose – They are in great need of both morning and afternoon volunteers to serve breakfast and lunch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

All volunteers will have their temperature taken upon arrival; if temperature is high, the volunteer will immediately sent home.

Please click here if you are interested in serving.

St. TIMOTHY’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

Food Pantry at 5100 Camden Ave. needs four volunteers every Thursday from 3:45 pm to 5:45pm during the shelter in place order.

Please click here if you are interested in serving.

CASA DE CLARA SAN JOSE CATHOLIC WORKER SHOWERS TO THE PEOPLE

This is a mobile shower program and a ministry of Casa de Clara. People living on the streets of San Jose are able to shower in a trailer that is set up at various locations several times a week across San Jose.

Please click here if you are interested in serving or call 408-297-8330.