Sacramento Loaves & Fishes is a distinguished 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization that has been a beacon of hope and an oasis for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in Sacramento since its founding in 1983. Rooted in the profound philosophy of the Catholic Worker Movement and inspired by the works of mercy, Loaves & Fishes embodies "radical love" through its unwavering commitment to providing essential survival services, fostering dignity, and nurturing the human spirit of nearly 1,000 adults and children daily on its expansive 4.5-acre campus.
The organization was co-founded by Chris and Dan Delany, who began by serving sandwiches from their car trunks, driven by a deep conviction for poverty justice. What started as a simple midday meal program quickly evolved to encompass a comprehensive array of services, expanding significantly over four decades to become Sacramento's largest provider of homeless services. A key distinguishing principle for Loaves & Fishes is its commitment to remaining 100% independent of government funding. This unique approach ensures that all services are delivered without judgment or barriers, preserving the dignity and autonomy of their guests. Their operations are entirely sustained by the generosity of individual supporters, local businesses, and community foundations, highlighting a profound trust in grassroots philanthropy.
Loaves & Fishes offers a broad spectrum of 16 programs and services, all designed to meet the immediate, critical needs of individuals experiencing homelessness while also offering pathways to stability and a renewed sense of self-worth. These services are delivered with profound respect and aim to nourish not just physical needs but also the human need for acceptance, companionship, and hope:
Dining Room: This is one of the foundational programs, providing warm, nutritious meals – breakfast and lunch – to hundreds of guests daily, 364 days a year. It's a place of respite and consistent nourishment, fostering a sense of community.
Survival Services in Friendship Park: This private park within the campus acts as a crucial daytime sanctuary. Guests can access clean and well-stocked restrooms, hot showers in the "Wash House," and laundry facilities. Essential survival supplies are regularly distributed, including sleeping bags, tents, tarps, blankets, hygiene kits (toothpaste, soap, menstrual/incontinence supplies), clothing, shoes, backpacks, drinking water, and even pet food for companions. The park also provides covered gazebos with misters for hot months and heaters for cold weather, offering crucial protection from the elements.
Maryhouse: This specialized program is a daytime, no-barrier, drop-in center specifically for women and families experiencing homelessness. It provides a safe space, tailored support, and resources, including showers, clothing, diapers, and personalized resource counseling, to address the unique vulnerabilities of women and children. Sister Nora's Place is a related program providing a stable and nurturing living environment for women, with comprehensive support aimed at transitioning them into permanent housing without a predetermined length of stay.
Mustard Seed School: A truly unique and impactful program, Mustard Seed School is an emergency school for homeless children ranging from preschool through eighth grade. It provides a stable educational environment, addressing the profound disruption homelessness causes to a child's development and learning, ensuring continued access to education.
Health and Wellness Support:
Legal and Advocacy Programs:
Skill-Building and Community Connection:
Loaves & Fishes annually serves over 130,000 meals and distributes nearly 200,000 survival items. The organization's strength lies not only in its comprehensive services but also in its guiding principles:
Sacramento Loaves & Fishes is far more than a service provider; it is a movement sustained by compassion, community, and the belief that every individual deserves an oasis of respite and belonging. It continues to be a vital force in the ongoing fight against homelessness and poverty in Sacramento, offering not just survival services, but also hope, respect, and friendship.