The Damiano Center is the largest emergency meal provider in Northeastern Minnesota and has the only free store in Duluth. We offer numerous other resources for families and individuals who are experiencing poverty or homelessness, and we couldn't do it without the support of our donors!

Dolores' two young grandchildren came to her last year with little more than the clothes they were wearing.
Dolores had room in her home and in her heart for her grandchildren, but she could not afford to quickly purchase clothing and other necessities for them. The day after the kids arrived they came with their grandma to the Damiano Center for free clothing and had dinner together in Kids' Kitchen.

After that first visit, they all came to Kids' Kitchen regularly to have a healthy meal. This is also a chance for Dolores to rest and socialize with other parents and grandparents while the kids play games, learn about nutrition, and garden. The kids tire their grandma out, and to her, the program is a godsend. Delores says she couldn't afford to care for her grandkids without the Damiano Center and the free resources available to her and her grandchildren.

Almost all of our programs have volunteer needs, which include:
- Soup Kitchen: prepping and serving food under the direction of a cook,
- Clothing Exchange: accepting and sorting donations into the store, and helping shoppers
- Kids' Kitchen: serving food, playing games with kids, helping kids with homework, and leading activities

Suggested Donations

• One visit to the Clothing Exchange for a family of five ($5.00)
• Five meals in the Soup Kitchen ($10.00)
• Bus card for someone to get to a new job ($25.00)

Funding Needs

All Damiano Center programs need support from individuals. We offer children's programming, free meals, free clothing and household goods, recovery programming, and many other basic necessities. We couldn't offer any of these programs without your support!