Posted June 17, 2022
According to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, 1 in 6 people within the area struggle with food insecurities, meaning they don’t know where their next meal will come from.
The Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center is a hunger and day drop-in center for the homeless and hungry of Cleveland. The center serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday.
During the month of May, the Cosgrove center served 10,000 meals!
“This is the largest amount of meals I have ever seen since I’ve been a part of Cosgrove,” Program Director Eric Milkie said.
Since last year, there has been a 64% increase in the number of meals served.
“In this line of work, serving more people is usually a bad thing overall. It means that there are more people who are hungry and can’t cover their basic needs, which is sad,” Milkie said.
Although there is a higher need for food, the staff at the Cosgrove Center has been working as hard as they can to make sure everyone is fed.
“This is the same crew when the pandemic first hit. We have 5 full-time and 3 part-time workers, including myself. The cook and 2 food service workers are the ones directly responsible for the hot meal portion of Cosgrove, and the rest is filled in with volunteers” Milkie said.
Providing meals is not the only thing the Cosgrove Center offers to the community. The center also offers showers, a clothing closet, mail distribution, birth certificates and state IDs, and rent and utility assistance.
“The Cosgrove Center is a special place that has consistently been there for the community. It has been around since 1993, and day in, and day out has served hot meals and offered supportive services to anyone that comes to the door.” Milkie said.
Donations are currently being accepted at the center for those interested.
“We are welcoming seasonal men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, socks, underwear, and hygiene items. We burn through coffee for the hot meals program so that is always welcomed too.” Milkie said.
The Cosgrove center’s staff continues to make sure no one leaves hungry and helps provide other services when needed.
“I’m proud of the staff as they always rise to the occasion and help no matter how many people come to the door, and also appreciative that Catholic Charities has the capacity to help when the need increases,” Milkie said.
For more information about the Cosgrove Center please visit https://www.ccdocle.org/locations/bishop-william-m-cosgrove-center
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
