OUR PROGRAMS

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  • Icon of a car parked inside a garage attached to a house with a chimney.

    HOUSING ASSISTANCE

    Last year, our housing programs supported... Learn more

  • Outline drawing of a mason jar filled with a beverage, topped with a straw, next to an apple.

    FOOD ASSISTANCE

    Last year, our food pantry served 143 households...Learn more

  • Outline illustration of a person balancing a heart and a dollar sign on their arms.

    CRITICAL NEEDS ASSISTANCE

    Last year, our Critical Needs program assisted…Learn More

  • Line drawing of two hands clasped together, with small hearts surrounding them.

    RECOVERY ASSISTANCE

    Our Building Bridges to Recovery program provide...Learn more

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    MEALS ON WHEELS

    Last year, our Meals on Wheels program served... Learn more

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    CARE CENTER

    The community assessment and resource center...Learn more

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Housing Assistance

Last year, our housing programs supported 143 households comprised of 324 individuals to have stable housing. 

A safe, warm place to rest at night is vital to our health and well-being. Unfortunately, many in our community face challenges in securing stable housing. As the need for housing assistance has grown, so too has the Mission's ability to support those facing housing instability or homelessness. In partnership with other community organizations, our housing programs are dedicated to preventing and alleviating homelessness and housing insecurity.

To discuss your personal situation, please stop into the Urban Mission or call us at 315-782-8440 during business hours.

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Food Assistance

Last year, our food pantry served 2,626 households comprised of 6,466 individuals, with a large percentage of them being children.

  • Urban Mission is home to the largest, most utilized food pantry in Jefferson County.  Open five days a week, pantry visitors are provided with a five-day supply of food and are connected with other resources for assistance.

    Pantry hours are Monday - Thursday from 9:30AM-3:00PM, and Friday 9:30AM- 12:00PM

    Working in tandem with the Food Bank of Central New York, Urban Mission hosts a Food Drop each Friday in the CARE Center from 1:00PM-3:00PM. Food Drop items vary each week, but usually consist of fruits, vegetables, breads and desserts. The Food Drop is open to all members of the community.

    To discuss your personal situation, please stop into the Urban Mission or call us at 315-782-8440 during business hours.

  • Food Sense, in collaboration with the Food Bank of Central New York, is a monthly food buying co-op for anyone who wants to stretch their grocery dollars. Food Sense provides a monthly box of 12-15 staple grocery items at a discounted price.

    Each package costs $20.50 without limitation to the number of packages you may buy. While the items vary from month to month, the package always includes:

    • 4-5 meat items like chicken, ground beef, or fish

    • 4-5 staple pantry items like pasta, soup, and rice

    • 2 fresh produce items like apples, carrots or oranges

    Rotating monthly specials like stuffed pork chops, American cheese, meatballs, lasagna, and chicken tenders can be purchased in addition to the basic unit.

    There are no qualifications, no subscriptions, and no requirements to participate in Food Sense. Only cash or EBT payments are accepted in person and credit cards may be used for online ordering

    To order a Food Sense package, please visit the Food Pantry on Monday-Friday between 9:30AM-3PM, or call the Urban Mission at 315-782-8440.

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Critical Needs Assistance

Last year, our Critical Needs program assisted 770  households comprised of 1,971 individuals with heat, utilities, formula, diapers, laundry services, prescription copays, and transportation assistance.

Our Critical Needs program, funded entirely by donations, offers essential services that go beyond traditional social assistance programs. These services include infant formula, diapers, prescriptions, utility assistance, transportation, clothing, household items, and more.

Each year, the Critical Needs program also coordinates special initiatives, such as the Back-to-School Drive, holiday assistance for children in partnership with Toys for Tots, and prom attire for under-resourced teens through Cinderella and Prince Charming's Closet.

To discuss your personal situation, please stop into the Urban Mission or call us at 315-782-8440 during business hours.

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Recovery Assistance

Our Building Bridges to Recovery program provided intensive case management services to 46 individuals on their path to substance use disorder recovery.

The Bridge Program offers an alternative to incarceration for individuals facing legal issues related to substance use. Court-mandated participants receive intensive support to help them turn their lives around, including case management, treatment coordination, advocacy, and opportunities to engage in peer groups and volunteer activities. By addressing the substance use disorder driving criminal behavior, the Bridge Program promotes better outcomes for individuals while reducing the financial burden of incarceration.

Our Bridge Program also coordinates multiple STOP DWI Victim Impact Panels to bring greater awareness to the human cost of driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs.  

Victim Impact Panels are held in the Community Room of Urban Mission. Those mandated by the court to attend are subject to a $25 entry fee; all other community members may attend at no cost. RSVPs are required. 

For more information about the Bridge Program or STOP DWI Victim Impact Panels, please contact Bridge Program Director Anthony Matthews at 315-782-8440, extension 223.

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Meals on Wheels

Last year, our Meals on Wheels program served over 26,000 meals.

Meals on Wheels enables seniors to live safely and independently. Thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers, we provide nutritious meals and essential social interaction to homebound seniors in Watertown, New York, only.  Meals are delivered five days a week, rain or shine. 

For more information about Meals on Wheels, please call 315-782-8440, extension 231.

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CARE/Navigation Center

The Community Assessment and Resource Center (CARE Center) opened in June 2021 in response to the growing need for service after the pandemic. The CARE/Navigation Center is a collaborative project bringing together several local, non-profit agencies with parallel goals to serve under-resourced individuals. It serves as a hub for assistance with housing and other sources based on community needs. The CARE/Navigation Center, also houses Navigators who can screen and case manage eligible individuals and their families for services through the 1115 Waiver.

The CARE Center hours are Monday - Friday, 9AM - 4PM. 

To discuss your personal situation, please contact the CARE Center directly at 315-782-8400.