Want to learn more about Saints Alive – Daily Needs Assistance? Here are answers to common questions about our mission, the neighbors we serve in Columbus, Ohio, and how your donations and volunteer service can make a difference.

What is Saints Alive – Daily Needs Assistance?

Saints Alive is a faith-based, 100% volunteer program serving people experiencing homelessness and financial hardship in the Columbus community. Motivated by our faith and a commitment to caring for our neighbors, we provide food, clothing, personal care supplies, and other daily necessities. We pair practical assistance with personal attention so that those we serve feel seen, heard, and valued.

How do you help people experiencing homelessness?

We serve hot meals and distribute individual bags of food, snacks, and personal care items. We also respond to needs such as warm clothing, blankets, tents, and tarps.

Our relationships with the people we serve help us understand what would be most useful to them. Supporters sometimes gather supplies for a particular person, providing items such as extra batteries, cooking supplies, or ground coverings. This personal approach helps us respond to individual circumstances with thoughtful, practical assistance.

What makes your approach different?

We believe compassion begins with acknowledging the person in front of us. Many of our neighbors have told us that one of the hardest parts of homelessness is feeling invisible.

We take time to learn names, listen to concerns, and ask how people are doing. When someone has been absent, we ask about their well-being and let them know they were missed. Along with providing essentials, we build relationships that affirm each person’s dignity and remind them that they matter.

How can I get involved?

You can support Saints Alive in three meaningful ways:

• Give your time: Help prepare and serve meals, assemble care bags, or sort donated supplies.
• Donate needed items: Contribute food, personal care products, clothing, and seasonal essentials.
• Make a financial contribution: Help us obtain supplies and respond to needs as they arise.

You can also help by sharing our mission with friends, family, churches, and community groups. Please contact us before organizing a collection so we can identify the items currently needed most.

Can I volunteer if I have never done this before?

Yes! A willingness to help and a respectful, caring attitude are a wonderful starting point. We encourage prospective volunteers to contact us about joining a hot-meal service.

It is natural to feel uncertain before your first visit. Meeting our neighbors and serving alongside other volunteers can help turn that uncertainty into connection and understanding. Many people who first come simply to lend a hand choose to return regularly.

What donated items do you need?

Needs change with the weather and the circumstances of the people we serve. Commonly needed items include:

• Food and personal care: Individually packaged snacks and toiletries for distribution bags.
• Cold-weather essentials: Hats, gloves, hand warmers, warm clothing, and blankets.
• Outdoor living supplies: Tents, tarps, batteries, and other requested necessities.

Our cold-weather requests have also included candles and propane. Please contact us before purchasing or delivering these items to confirm the types needed and arrange acceptance. Checking with us first helps ensure your donation can be put to good use.

Is Saints Alive run by volunteers?

Yes. Saints Alive is a 100% volunteer organization. Our work depends on people who contribute their time, supplies, and financial support because they care about neighbors facing hardship.

How can I contact you or arrange a donation?

Email us at saintsalive1@yahoo.com to ask about volunteering, current supply needs, or donation arrangements.                     Please contact us before bringing donated items so we can coordinate delivery.

How do I make a financial donation by check?

Make your check payable to Saint Mary Magdalene Church and write Saints Alive on the memo line so your contribution is designated for the program.

Mail your check to the address below:

St. Mary Magdalene Church

c/o Saints Alive
473 S Roys Ave
Columbus, OH 43204

Every contribution of time, money, or supplies helps us care for our neighbors. 

Thank you for helping Saints Alive put faith and compassion into action.