Neighborhood Services


Serving the community 

About us


Following the example of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, we commit to serving the poor, the homeless, and the marginalized, reflecting Christ's love, upholding the dignity and worth of every human life through acts of kindness, generosity, compassionate care and dedicated service.

Uplifting Lives: A Comprehensive Approach to Serving the Underserved 


Neighborhood Services’ Commitment to Prolife Values and Social Outreach

Our commitment to serving the poor is rooted in its pro-life beliefs, prioritizing the dignity and worth of every human life. This includes not only the unborn, but also those marginalized and vulnerable in society, such as the poor, those experiencing homelessness, the sick, and the elderly.


Defining St. Aloysius as a church of and for the poor means its mission and ministry are centered on serving those most in need—our sisters and brothers, regardless of social or economic status. This means everyone who seeks assistance or support from the church is welcomed and treated with compassion and respect.


St. Aloysius is often called “Everybody’s Church”; so today we take the church to the people.  To champion those in need, Neighborhood Services offers a range of programs designed to provide essential supplies, companionship, and assistance. 


Empowering Families: 

Essential Supplies for Children and Seniors

By collaborating with local organizations and offering direct assistance, the ministry ensures families can access crucial resources for their well-being.  We also support seniors who are raising their grandchildren, providing food, beds, clothing, and winter gear to keep them comfortable and warm.


Truck Ministry: 

Compassionate Care for the Homeless and Mentally Ill

The Truck Ministry, now in its 12th year at St. Aloysius, offers care, warmth, and support to the homeless and mentally ill living on Detroit's streets. This initiative fosters fellowship and provides winter survival gear, sleeping bags, coats, hats, gloves, clean socks, hot chocolate, coffee, and sandwiches every Wednesday morning to those unable to reach the church.


Wednesday and Thursday Breakfast Ministry: 

A Sanctuary of Friendship and Support

For 14 years, the Wednesday & Thursday Morning Breakfast Ministry has provided food, clothing, and companionship to those in need. Situated in front of the Parish Office, visitors enjoy hot egg muffin sandwiches and fresh fruit, with volunteers granting full access to the ministry's supplies storeroom. During summer, a sidewalk café ambiance is created with tables and chairs, offering a warm and inviting experience.


Saturday BBQ: Feeding Bodies, Building Community

A Weekend Social Event for Everyone

Nothing brings people together quite like good food and good company. Once a month on Saturday, volunteer groups host a community BBQ, serving up hot dogs, burgers, and sides for anyone in need. But this is about so much more than a meal—it’s about creating a space where barriers break down, friendships form, and joy is shared.


Pop-Up Produce Station: Fresh Food, Fresh Hope 

Too many of our neighbors live in food deserts, where access to fresh, healthy food is scarce. Every Saturday morning, our Pop-Up Produce Station provides free fruits and vegetables to anyone in need—helping families and seniors eat nutritious meals without financial burden. In every apple, every bag of greens, and every shared conversation, we remind our neighbors that they are valued, seen, and cared for.


Health Ministry: Healing the Body, Mind, and Spirit

Too many in our community lack access to basic healthcare—so we bring it to them. Our Health Ministry and Faith Community Nursing Team provides health screenings, education, and referrals, empowering our neighbors to take control of their well-being.

But healing isn’t just physical—it’s spiritual, too. In every conversation, check-up, and prayer, we remind people that they are more than their struggles, and God has not forgotten them.


Neighborhood Services Newsletter

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Outreach Ministries

We're always looking for new volunteers to help serve our community. Check out our current mix of ministries looking for more helpers.


Outreach Ministries

Volunteer with us! 

Whether you’re a new or long-time parishioner, we’re always in need of more willing hands to help us be Christ’s Hands and Feet to our community downtown.  We’d love for you to join us. If you’re interested in any of these services, submit a volunteer request below!

 

  • Sandwich Making (third Sunday of the month as a parish)
  • Sandwich delivery to people on the streets
  • Backpack Ministry
  • Sorting donations
  • Assembling toiletry bags for the homeless
  • Grocery delivery to senior citizens
  • Emergency food pantry
  • Flash BBQs (Saturdays and during the week)
  • Visit the elderly
  • Health Ministry (Need RNs or other health care professionals)
  • S.H.A.R.E. (Seniors for Health, Advocacy, Reform, and Education) meets every Thursday afternoon, beginning with prayer and continuing with health education, self and group advocacy, and support.
  • Neighborhood Alpha meets every Thursday afternoon to pray and discuss topics related to life, purpose, and God!


If you're interested in starting your own ministry, contact Michael | schultz.michael@aod.org


If you're interested in joining our team to be a regularly committed volunteer download and submit our application below!

Download Application

Interested in donating supplies for our ministries?  


Spring 2025 Needs


Emergency Food Pantry Items (No Cooking Required)

For individuals with access to a microwave but not a full kitchen.

Shelf-Stable & Ready-to-Eat Foods

✔ Granola bars & protein bars
✔ Beef jerky & meat sticks
✔ Trail mix (individual packs)
✔ Crackers (cheese, peanut butter, saltines, etc.)
✔ Chips (single-serve bags)
✔ Popcorn (microwaveable or ready-to-eat)
✔ Pretzels (individual packs)
✔ Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, mango, etc.)
✔ Applesauce & fruit cups (no refrigeration needed)
✔ Peanut butter or nut butter (individual packets or small jars)


Microwaveable Meals & Snacks

✔ Instant oatmeal (single-serve packets)
✔ Shelf-stable soup (microwaveable cups or pouches)
✔ Instant mac & cheese (microwave cups)
✔ Cup Noodles or ramen (microwave-friendly)
✔ Rice or pasta pouches (microwaveable)
✔ Shelf-stable microwavable meals (Hormel, Dinty Moore, etc.)


Canned Meats & Fish

✔ Tuna packets or canned tuna
✔ Canned chicken
✔ Canned salmon or sardines
✔ Canned Vienna sausages
✔ Canned Spam


Beverages

✔ Bottled water
✔ Juice boxes or pouches
✔ Shelf-stable milk (individual cartons)
✔ Instant coffee, tea bags, or hot chocolate packets
✔ Electrolyte drink packets (Gatorade, Liquid IV, etc.)


Other Essentials

✔ Plastic utensils, napkins, and paper plates
✔ Reusable tote bags for carrying food


Hygiene & Personal Care Items

Primarily for individuals without permanent housing.

✔ Body wash / Bar soap
✔ Deodorant
✔ Shampoo / Conditioner
✔ Washcloths & Small Towels
✔ Combs / Brushes
✔ Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
✔ Razors & Shaving Cream
✔ Lotion / Moisturizer (especially for cold weather months)
✔ Lip Balm / Chapstick
✔ Baby Wipes / Facial Cleansing Wipes
✔ Sunscreen (seasonal need)
✔ Nail Clippers

✔ Ziploc bags (sandwich, quart & gallon sizes for distributing items)


Household & Daily Necessities

✔ Paper towels
✔ Toilet paper
✔ Boxed tissues / Kleenex
✔ Hand soap
✔ Dish soap
✔ Laundry detergent (small or travel-size preferred)
✔ Trash bags (small and large sizes)
✔ Gallon Size Ziploc bags
✔ Aluminum foil & plastic wrap
✔ Reusable shopping bags

 ✔ Towels


Essential Clothing & Outdoor Gear

✔ Sleeping bags / blankets (for all seasons)
✔ Gloves, hats, scarves (for cold weather & general outdoor use)
✔ Hand warmers / toe warmers / body warmers
✔ Thermal pants / shirts (Men’s & Women’s – Sizes L, XL, XXL)
✔ T-shirts & underwear (Men’s & Women’s – New with tags only)
✔ Socks (Men’s & Women’s)
✔ Coats & Jackets (Men’s & Women’s – Sizes L, XL, XXL)
✔ Sweatshirts / Hoodies (Men’s & Women’s – Sizes L, XL, XXL)
✔ Rain ponchos & waterproof outerwear
✔ Sturdy backpacks & duffel bags (for carrying belongings)

🚫 We are no longer accepting children’s items or used clothing articles.                          

           

 

Donate to Neighborhood Services

Spend some time with us!

We are delighted to have you join us in serving the souls in our neighborhood! Sign up here to volunteer with us at a specific event. This is a great opportunity for someone new to volunteering who can't make a regular commitment but still has a heart to serve.


Interested in group volunteering?

We love to host work and school groups with up to 20 participants! Fill out our form and we'll reach out to you discuss possible pop-up events or service days for your group to serve the souls in our community!

Because of our small office size we are currently limited in capacity to volunteer group sizes with 20 or less participants. 

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