Allston Brighton Food Pantry & Thrift Shop

The Allston Brighton Food Pantry provides nourishing foods and services to all members of the community at no cost.

Services:

• Grocery Distributions – Staff distribute bags of groceries directly to clients every Wednesday and two Saturdays a month
• Weekly Community Suppers – Staff provide free hot, nutritious take-out meals to nearly 200 guests every Wednesday.
• Nearly New Thrift Shop – Onsite thrift store sells greatly discounted clothing, shoes, coats, household goods, kitchen appliances, and other items. Staff also offer “Thrift Store Dollars” to provide items for free to those in need, particularly those seeking gender-affirming clothing. (Open Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays)
• Allston-Brighton Community Fridge – Free community fridge/pantry that provides 24/7 self-service access to food and supplies (hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, etc.) that clients can take and leave as needed.
• Community Support – Beyond food and clothing, staff provide guests with referrals to other social services in Allston Brighton. Our Trans BIPOC Pastoral Resident offers limited one on one counseling for those in crisis, and our trained volunteers connect with guests who are seeking community social connection.

Boomerangs: More Than Words

The Boomerangs store has moved and is now run by More Than Words, a non-profit social enterprise that empowers system-involved youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business. The new Boomerangs store provides customers with the same sense of community that existed for years at Boomerangs. This store allows More Than Words the opportunity to expand its program that supports young adults in foster care, court, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.by More Than Words offers new, vintage, and gently used clothing, books, housewares, electronics, and furniture for sale.

Visit the More Than Words website to learn more about the store front and available programs supporting justice-involved youth.

This organization primarily serves system-involved youth age 16-24.

Dress for Success Boston

The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Services: Suiting, Career Advancement, Leadership, Employment Retention, Job Training

Monday through Friday: 9:30am to 4:00pm

Friday Night Supper at Arlington Street Church

The mission of the Friday Night Supper Program is to serve a hot nutritious meal in a safe and dignified environment every Friday to anyone who wants one. Each guest is served a nutritious three-course meal consisting of soup, dinner, and dessert at their table by their courteous volunteer servers. They also provide clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other essential items to their guests following meal service. Twice per month, the Friday Night Supper Program provides basic essentials to its guests through a request and need-based system.

Services:

• Clothing Closet: On the second and fourth Friday of the month, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, guests can put in their request for clothing at the table near the piano. The clothing closet opens up at 6:30pm.
• Resource Cards: The FNSP has a series of “People Cards” that provide information on free resources in Boston. They have one for Food and Shelter resources, Health care resources, and useful resources (employment/education services, legal assistance, etc.).

Every Friday between the hours of 5:00pm-7:00pm. Guests can begin to line up in the public alley off Arlington Street at 4:30pm.

No registration or sign-up is required, no questions are asked.

Garment District

The Garment District is a large and unique retail clothing store, stocking all styles of women’s and men’s new and used clothes, shoes, and accessories.

Services: By the Pound: shoppers may buy clothing for $2 a pound

Sunday through Friday: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am to 10:00pm

Haley House

Haley House uses food with purpose and the power of community to break down barriers between people, empower individuals, and strengthen neighborhoods.

Services:

• Food & Meals: Soup Kitchen, Food Pantry, Clothing Room
• Urban Agriculture: Thornton Street Farm & Community Garden
• Live-in Community
• Housing
• LiFT Reentry Program

Soup Kitchen Hours:
Breakfast Meal Service, Monday through Friday 6:15am to 9:30am
Afternoon Meal Service, Friday 2:25pm to 5:30pm
Sunday Meal, 12:00pm to 1:30pm

Food Pantry Hours: Open Thursdays 7:00am to 10:00am

Clothing Room Hours: Tuesday 6:15am to 9:30am

Pilgrim Church

Pilgrim Church provides various services to members in the community including community lunches, food pantries, and flea markets. See their website for additional details.

Services: Thrift Shop, Food Pantry, unCommon Outreach, Free Community Lunch, Saturday Flea Market 

Solutions at Work

Solutions at Work is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness by providing individuals and families with resources and opportunities to strengthen their self-confidence, achieve self-sufficiency, and participate in helping others.

Services:

• Children’s Item Exchange: Provides clothing, books, and other children’s items to those in need.
• SolutionsWear program: Provides new and gently-used professional attire for men and women to outfit 650 people annually.

Tuesday through Thursday: 10:30a.m - 3:30p.m

St. Francis House

St. Francis House offers basic, rehabilitative, and housing services to hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness. The center is open every day of the year.

Services: Day Shelter, Recovery Support Center, Housing, Workforce Development, Behavioral Health, Medical Clinic

Hours vary depending on program. Call or visit website for details.

Urban Renewals

Urban Renewals is a large thrift store offering a clean, well-lit shopping experience with clearly marked departments and color-coordinated clothing racks for easy navigation. Discounts vary by department and tag color, with many items available at 50% off.

Services: Products include clothes, shoes, toys, books, records, furniture, linens, accessories, electronics, jewelry, and other miscellaneous items.

Monday through Saturday: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm to 5:00pm