About

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 9 am to 11:30 am. *Please note that for volunteers to complete services for clients before closing time at noon, applications for food boxes after 11:30 are not accepted.

Available Services 

Sweet Home Emergency Ministries (SHEM) is much more than an emergency food pantry! Our numerous outreach community programs provide desperately needed services and resources to the most marginalized members of our community and those who temporarily find themselves without basic needs due to job loss, fire, or household emergencies.

Emergency Food Box Program

SHEM provides one emergency food box to each household monthly, which contains enough food to give each person in the home three meals a day for three to five days. SHEM also encourages clients to return weekly for fresh fruit, vegetables, and bread. 

Manna Meals Program 

Free hot meals are served every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday served at 5:00 pm at the Sweet Home United Methodist Church at 845 6th Ave. For more information, please call 541-367-3073.

Carmen's Closet: Clothing/Household Items

SHEM offers free clothing, shoes, household items, and hygiene items supplied mainly through private donations and a small allowance from United Way. SHEM also helps with relocation necessities and provides fire burnout victims with household items, blankets, furniture and clothing. 

Back to School Program

SHEM coordinates with community partners to provide backpacks and school supplies for school-aged children. Supplies are distributed the week before school begins in the fall. This program is fully funded through Salvation Army Bell Ringing Project, Carmen's Closet, and private donations.

Christmas Box Program

SHEM coordinates the holiday basket program with local civic and community organizations, schools, and churches in providing families with a special holiday food box. Applications for holiday food boxes are available beginning in October and are accepted until the date posted on the form. 

Special Needs Clients

SHEM Special Needs area addresses certain dietary restrictions, such as diabetics, vegetarians, limited gluten-free items, and including pre-cooked, shelf-stable food items for people experiencing homelessness. In addition, hygiene packets are provided by Compassion in Action of Linn County. A limited supply of baby items and diapers are also available for families with infants.