FAQ

We know our work can bring a lot of questions. Here are a list of some that we get most often. Please feel free to contact us if you need more help!

What Types of Donations do you Accept?

The Mission accepts donations of food, clothing, toiletries, furniture in good condition, working appliances, and gently used/clean toys. For a more extensive list, please visit our in-kind donation page

Do you pick up furniture and other items?

Due to limited resources, we generally do not do pick-ups. Furniture in very good condition can be dropped off M-F 9 AM to 12 PM. Call Alexis at 518.462.0459 x 294 prior to drop off.

Where/when can I drop off my clothing or other “in-kind” donation?

The driveway for our clothing drop-off area is located between two large brick warehouse buildings on Arch St. in the South End of Albany (just around the corner from our main building at 259 South Pearl St). If utilizing a GPS, use the address 127 Arch St, Albany, NY. There should be signs outside that say “Clothing Center Donations” with arrows. Drop-off hours are 8am – 4pm, Monday through Saturday.

There should be a couple of gentlemen just inside that will come out to help you unload your vehicle.

How can I volunteer?

Visit our Volunteer page

How is the Mission funded?

The Mission is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, completely funded by private donations and does not accept any city, state or federal funds.

What is appropriate to give a homeless person I see on the street?

We generally discourage giving panhandlers money and instead encourage people to meet that individual’s immediate needs by packing a care kit. Download “How to Pack a Care Kit” guide.

How do I get less mail?

Please contact Sue Jones at 518.462.0421 and she can reduce or stop mailings. Please understand that our mailing lists are sent to the printer well in advance, so it takes about 3 months for your request to take effect.

Can you provide someone to speak at my church or event?

We would be happy to send a representative to speak at your church service or at your special event. Please contact Denise Manning at 518.462.0459 x 227.

What do I do if I need a place to stay the night?

Come to the Mission’s front desk before 5:30PM with some form of identification or another means to prove your identity. For more information, visit our Shelter page or call the front desk at 518.462.0459 x221.

I am in need of clothing and/or household items. Can you help?

Yes! For dates and times of operation, visit our Clothing page.

Can I find out if someone I know is staying at the Mission?

Due to confidentiality and other circumstances, we do not give information on any of our guests unless that person is an emergency contact or is given special permission.

How do I get a family member or friend in one of your recovery programs?

The person in need of a recovery program must make initial contact with our program staff. We do not contact potential participants at the request of a family member or friend.

How do I apply for your recovery program?

Can you help me pay my rent/utilities?

Unfortunately, we do not offer this kind of assistance.

You haven't answered my question yet.

Sorry about that! Feel free to contact us via our website or Facebook/Instagram Messaging and we will do our best to answer your question as soon as possible.

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