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MISSION STATEMENT

The Mercy INN addresses the issue of hunger and need in the community by providing hot, nourishing meals in a dignified, comfortable and respectful manner to those who seek our help.

We are an all-volunteer, not-for-profit, non-sectarian, community-based organization who believes that all human beings are interdependent and that society heals itself by caring for the least of its brethren.

OPERATIONS

The Mercy INN is an affiliate of The Interfaith Nutrition Network, Inc. It operates autonomously from that organization, maintains its own bank accounts, and is responsible for its own income and expenses.

The Mercy INN operates a single soup kitchen in Wyandanch, Long Island, NY, serving over 25,000 free, hot noontime meals per year to the homeless and working poor of the community. No questions are asked of our guests, and no proselytizing, counseling or outside publicity is permitted.

The Mercy INN has no paid employees, except for a part-time custodian. Almost all food served is donated by local hospitals, restaurants and community groups, or purchased through annual grants. Our largest expense is rent, which is paid to the non-affiliated church in whose basement we are located.

Our annual budget is $37,600. Income is budgeted at $26,600.   For the past eight years, we have been able to close the $11,000 budget gap through occasional bequests and one-time grants. We have been able to retain our original funding intact. This original funding was provided mainly by the Sisters of Mercy, who formerly operated the soup kitchen.

NEEDS

After all the grants and food donations, it costs us $1.50 to serve each meal. Most of this we are able to raise ourselves through continuing donations, but we must raise an additional $11,000 each year to remain viable.

Please consider helping the Mercy INN by contribution. To donate online, please click here.