Program Department

Bethesda House's Program Department provides accessible, low-barrier services to individuals experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or economic hardship in Schenectady County. Through our Day Program and Drop-In Center, individuals can meet immediate basic needs in a safe, welcoming environment while connecting with staff and community resources that support greater stability and independence.

Services Include:

Hot Meals: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 1:30–3:00 p.m.
Hospitality Center: A welcoming space offering coffee, books, games, and refuge from the streets.
Food Assistance: Food pantry services for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
Showers: Available Tuesdays.
Clothing Room: Thursdays, 9:00–11:00 a.m., with donated clothing, shoes, and boots.
Essential Services: Hygiene supplies, phone and fax access, and mail services.
Housing Resources and Referrals: Connections to housing assistance, community programs, and other supportive services.
Community Service Opportunities: Opportunities to give back to the community.

These services are made possible through public funding, grants, donations, and partnerships with local businesses, foundations, and community organizations.

Day Program: Food Programs & Clothing Room

Food Programs: Daily Meals & Community Food Pantries

Access to nutritious food is essential to health, stability, and overall well-being. For individuals and families facing food insecurity due to limited income, job loss, or other hardships, community food programs provide vital support and help ensure that fewer people have to go without a meal.

Bethesda House began providing food pantry services when located on Liberty Street in Schenectady. In 2010, we expanded our efforts with the opening of a larger, client-choice food pantry at our main location at 834 State Street. Today, our food programs continue to address hunger and food insecurity by providing daily meals and access to groceries for individuals and families in our community.

Our programs are made possible through the dedication of long-term volunteers, food donations, community partners, and generous supporters who share our commitment to helping neighbors in need. Through our daily meal program and food pantries, Bethesda House works to ensure that people experiencing homelessness, economic hardship, or food insecurity can access essential food resources with dignity and respect.

Daily Meals – Drop-In Center

Location: 834 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12307
Days: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Hours: 1:30–3:00 p.m.

834 State Street Food Pantry

Location: 834 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12307
Days: Second and third Tuesday of each month
Hours: 9:00–11:00 a.m.

P.G. Wright Food Pantry

Location: 2450 Van Vranken Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12308

First Monday of each month: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Thursdays during the second, third, and fourth weeks of each month: 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Before Your Visit

Please bring identification for each member of your household.
Clients are encouraged to bring their own bags for pantry items.

For questions about Bethesda House's daily meal program or food pantry services, please call 518-374-7873.

Through our food programs, Bethesda House remains committed to addressing hunger, supporting individuals and families facing hardship, and strengthening the well-being of our community—one meal and one household at a time.

Clothing Room

Access to clean, appropriate clothing is an important part of maintaining dignity, comfort, and confidence. Bethesda House's Clothing Room provides donated clothing, shoes, and boots to individuals experiencing homelessness and those who are economically disadvantaged, helping meet essential needs and reduce the financial burden of purchasing everyday necessities.

Our Clothing Room relies on the generosity of community members who donate gently used items and help ensure that clothing remains available to neighbors in need. Individuals are welcome to browse available donations and select items that meet their needs.

Clothing Room Hours: Thursdays, 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Before Donating: Please call ahead before bringing donations, as we cannot accept all items. For questions, call 518-374-7873, ext. 1124.

Please review our Clothing Room Acceptable Donations Wish List to see which items we can accept.

Through this service, Bethesda House helps individuals and families access essential clothing while fostering dignity, self-sufficiency, and community support.