FAQ
Let Us Answer Any Questions You May Have
Donations
Thank you for thinking of those served at Cherry Street Mission.
For the health and safety of our guests, staff, and volunteers, we follow local Health Department food safety guidelines.
We may be able to accept food only if it meets ALL of the following criteria:
- Prepared in a licensed commercial kitchen (such as a restaurant or catering company)
- Frozen promptly after preparation
- Stored in disposable containers
Thank you for thinking of Cherry Street Mission. Our ability to accept furniture varies. For the most up to date information please contact our logistics manager.
We are unable to accept mattresses.
Pillows must be new or gently used and in excellent condition.
We can only accept twin-size blankets and sheets.
If your items meet these guidelines, please bring them to our Donation Warehouse at the 16th Street entrance of the Life Revitalization Center.
Yes. We welcome donations of new, unopened hygiene items such as:
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Feminine hygiene products
We do prefer travel sized items. Donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the 16th Street side of our building at the Donation Warehouse entrance.
Thank you for thinking of Cherry Street Mission. We serve adults experiencing homelessness and are not able to accept children’s items.
Places that may accept children’s items:
- Family House
- Mom’s House
- Baby University (Baby U)
- Rebekah’s Haven
- Bethany House
- YWCA of Northwest Ohio
Yes. Clothing donations may be dropped off at:
Cherry Street Mission
1501 Monroe Street
Toledo, OH 43604
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
(16th Street Donation Entrance)
All donations should be brought to:
Cherry Street Mission
1501 Monroe Street
Toledo, OH 43604
Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
(16th Street Donation Entrance)
For the health and safety of our guests, staff, and volunteers, all meals that are prepared and served on our property must go through Cherry Street Mission and follow local Health Department rules and regulations. This includes requirements related to food preparation, handling, and proper temperature control.
Because of these guidelines, individuals or groups are not permitted to distribute meals in our parking lots or on any Cherry Street Mission property without coordinating in advance through our team.
If you are interested in providing a meal, please contact our Operations Manager to learn how to partner with Cherry Street Mission in a way that meets all safety standards.
Yes. Items purchased online may be shipped directly to:
Cherry Street Mission
Attn: Donations
1501 Monroe Street
Toledo, OH 43604
If possible, please include a packing slip so we can properly acknowledge your donation.
There is an Amazon Wishlist on our website that lists our most-needed items, with direct shipment to Cherry Street Mission. You can find it on our website under Get Involved.
Volunteering
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Cherry Street Mission. First time volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation. Those are held here at Cherry Street on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month at 10:00 a.m. and the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 5:00 p.m. Our volunteer opportunities do require advance registration and scheduling. To get started, please visit our website or contact our Volunteer Team at 419-214-3419 or volunteer@cherrystreetmission.org.
Thank you for your interest in serving with Cherry Street Mission. We offer group volunteer opportunities for companies and organizations. Please contact our Volunteer Team or visit our website to begin the scheduling process. A team member will follow up to help coordinate your service day.
Miscellaneous
We welcome inquiries from members of the media and are happy to assist with interviews, information, and story opportunities. To ensure accuracy and protect the privacy of our guests, volunteers, and staff, all media requests must be coordinated through our leadership team.
We do not share personal information about those we serve, and interviews, photography, or on-camera conversations must be scheduled in advance through our team.
For all media inquiries, please contact:
- Ann Ebbert at 419-214-4160 (or Lesley Watson at 419-214-3010)
- Rachel Gagnon at 419-214-4038
- Kelly Schroder at 567-661-0016 or 419-345-5126 (cell)
A member of our team will follow up with you promptly.
We appreciate your interest in learning more about Cherry Street Mission.
Please contact our Development Team to request a speaker for your group or event or request through our website under Contact Us. A team member will follow up with you regarding availability.
Yes, Cherry Street Mission offers scheduled tours for individuals and groups who would like to learn more about our work. Please contact our Development Team to arrange a tour in advance.
Questions About Homelessness
People enter homelessness for many different reasons. Common factors include:
- Rising housing costs
- Job loss or underemployment
- Limited access to affordable healthcare
- Mental health or substance use challenges
- Lack of family or community support
At Cherry Street Mission, our focus is on how we can help — by providing stability, job training, and support that leads to long-term housing and independence.
Most of the individuals we serve do want to work.
Many face barriers such as:
- Lack of reliable transportation
- Gaps in employment history
- Limited education or credentials
- Health or legal challenges
Cherry Street’s Workforce Development programs are designed to address these barriers and connect guests with meaningful employment opportunities.
Questions About Cherry Street Mission
Length of stay varies based on each person’s needs and goals. Some individuals may need only a short period of stability, while others are working toward longer-term goals like employment, improved health, or securing permanent housing.
Our goal is to support lasting independence — not just provide a temporary place to stay.
Securing housing often requires:
- First month’s rent and a security deposit
- Income verification
- Credit history
- Rental references
Employment is an important step, but many individuals also need support rebuilding credit, accessing healthcare, or developing job skills. Cherry Street Mission helps guests address these challenges so they can move toward stable housing.
Yes. We serve all individuals with dignity and respect.
Cherry Street partners with community agencies that specialize in mental health and addiction treatment to ensure guests have access to the care and services they may need.
Yes. The safety of our guests, volunteers, and staff is a top priority. We maintain trained staff presence, secure spaces, and established procedures designed to support a safe and stable environment.
Cherry Street Mission is supported primarily through the generosity of:
- Individual donors
- Churches
- Foundations
- Corporate and community partners
We also receive grants and generate program-related income through initiatives such as Workforce Development.
Cherry Street Mission does receive some grant funding. However, the majority of our support comes from private giving, which allows us to remain flexible and responsive to the needs of those we serve.
Success looks different for every individual.
We measure progress in areas such as:
- Employment
- Stable housing
- Health and wellness
- Personal goal achievement
Often, success is seen through consistent steps forward that help individuals rebuild stability and move toward independence.