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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
If you're interested in starting your own ministry, contact Michael | schultz.michael@aod.org
For individuals with access to a microwave but not a full kitchen.
✔ 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)
✔ 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.)
✔ Tuna packets or canned tuna
✔ Canned chicken
✔ Canned salmon or sardines
✔ Canned Vienna sausages
✔ Canned Spam
✔ 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.)
✔ Plastic utensils, napkins, and paper plates
✔ Reusable tote bags for carrying food
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)
✔ 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
✔ 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.
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