Our Philosophy is simple. Jubilee Association was founded by a core of people dedicated to Judeo-Christian values and Catholic Worker ideals of honoring the human dignity of each guest, non-judgmentally. From our beginning, we have been committed to encouraging these values among our staff and many volunteers.

Having our guests treated with respect and friendship nourishes the soul, just as our food satisfies their physical hunger. Food is a basic right that we want to provide. At the Kitchen and through our Pantry we insure security around this basic need. This, in turn, adds to the health of our guests and food bank families. For persons living in poverty and afflicted with all of its scars, having food security and a trusting community allows them to cope much better with the other challenges of their lives.

Jubilee Soup Kitchen is the backbone of our ministry. The Kitchen draws approximately 125 guests a day, more at the end of the month when SSI and other funds have been exhausted. Some guests are regulars who live close by. To come to a soup kitchen, a person must be desperate, joining the ranks of the marginalized.

They are mostly unattached men with a few women and even occasional children coming. Many are addicted and many more who are recovering from a life of addiction. Some are ex-offenders, some are disabled physically or from mental issues. Many guests come as early as 8:30 for coffee and rolls. Most stay until our main meal at 11 AM and take-outs are available for those who need them.

As long as they abide by a few rules of civility and non-violence, all are welcome. Staff, volunteers and regular guests are the backbones of our welcoming community. We try to respond to the needs of the whole person.

Soon after opening in 1979, we started the Pantry to provide food security to residents of the Hill District and Polish Hill (15219 zip code). The pantry is housed on Polish Hill at 3103 Brereton St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219. (for more information call Jubilee Food Pantry at (412) 261-5417).

We provide twice a month a variety of groceries to supplement the family diet in a balanced way. About 135 households belong to our “food club.”

Walk-ins come twice a month. On alternate weeks, we also deliver groceries to over area 70 shut-ins. Rather than just providing emergency help, we want our families to know that our help can rely on twice a month. Working closely with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, we leverage contributions from funds raised to purchase far more food than what the amount would buy in a regular grocery.

Jubilee Kitchen provides financial support and counseling to qualifying households facing homelessness due to eviction or shut-off notices. We aksi offer money management counseling, training for effectively seeking a better job (skills in resume writing, interview skills, etc.), job leads, and referrals to other agencies for meeting needs beyond what Jubilee can offer,

Jubilee Social Services provides bathrooms, showers, personal hygiene items, clothing room with seasonally appropriate clothing and footwear, a job center, transportation assistance, other support services and referrals to other agencies.

We do not pressure guests to change their ways, but when we discover a readiness to move from destitution to the arduous path toward self-sufficiency, we give moral support and any other help that we can.

Jubilee Soup Kitchen
PO Box 42251
2005 Wyandotte St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Phone: 412-261-5417

Consider contacting the Jubilee Soup Kitchen to volunteer your time or to participate in their community life.