Bridging the Gap: Community Resources During the Government Shutdown
- alstaiger
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
As the federal government shutdown continues, many families in Harrison and the surrounding area are beginning to feel its effects. Some are missing paychecks, while others have lost access to food assistance programs such as SNAP. In response, local churches, nonprofits, and city partners have stepped forward to make sure no one in our community goes without food or support.
The City of Harrison continues to coordinate with community organizations to keep residents informed and connected to resources. Below is a list of programs and local partners that can help.
Christ’s Loving Hands and the Mayor’s Community Fund Christ’s Loving Hands (CLH) serves as the primary distribution partner for the Harrison Mayor’s Community Fund. Together, they provide grocery vouchers, food pantry items, Duke Energy bill assistance, and limited rent support for local families in need.
In response to the current shutdown and pause in SNAP benefits, CLH has launched an Emergency Grocery Distribution program to provide one week of groceries to affected households.
To apply, call 513-367-7746 or fill out the online form:
Pick-up times are Tuesday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, November 5 from 4 to 6 p.m., and Saturday, November 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at Broadway Commons, 803 East Broadway in Harrison.
Donations of grocery bags or individual items are welcome during distribution hours. Store-brand items are encouraged. Volunteer and donation information can be found at christslovinghands.org.
Other Area Resources
Pathways to Home - Give and Take Pantry 9141 Kilby Road, Harrison. Offers a 24-hour outdoor emergency pantry and an indoor Choice Pantry by appointment. Call 513-367-1761 or visit pathwaysharrison.com.
Helping Hands Pantry - Miami Whitewater United Methodist Church 9700 Dry Fork Road, Harrison. Open Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Pantry phone 513-788-1172 or church office 513-367-4990. Visit https://www.mymw.org/helping-hands for details.
St. Vincent de Paul - Harrison Pantry days vary, often the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Call to confirm or visit svdpharrisonohio.family for details.
Community Meals Several Harrison-area churches offer free community meals throughout the month, including a rotating community meal every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
1st Saturday - First Presbyterian Church
2nd Saturday - Grace Church
3rd Saturday - Harrison Church of the Nazarene
4th Saturday - St John's Catholic Church
5th Saturday - Miami Whitewater Community Church
Pop-Up Pantry Donations Donation sites at local businesses and banks may vary. Contact Christ’s Loving Hands for an updated list of current drop-off locations.
County and Regional Resources Freestore Foodbank provides food distributions throughout Hamilton County. They also have a Kids Cafe, which provides free, after-school suppers at partner sites across the county. Visit freestorefoodbank.org or call 513-241-1064 for current schedules.
The 513Relief program offers a mobile Relief Bus that travels through local neighborhoods, providing information on benefits, identification, and health screenings.
Visit 513relief.org for schedules.
Families can also find after-school meals and child nutrition programs through the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library and the Children’s Hunger Alliance.
Southwest Local Schools connects families to food and holiday assistance through the Wildcats Care. program.
How You Can Help Community members who wish to contribute can donate food, volunteer with a local pantry, or make a financial contribution to the Mayor’s Community Fund or Christ’s Loving Hands. Every effort helps strengthen the network of care that keeps our city resilient.
A Message from the City of Harrison: Mayor Ryan P. Grubbs and the City of Harrison extend their appreciation to the churches, organizations, and volunteers working together to bridge the gap for local families. The City will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
For more details and links to resources, visit harrisonohio.gov.
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