FAQ
Do I have to pay?
No.
You’re welcome here regardless of your ability to pay. You can pay the suggested amount, give what you can, pay it forward for someone else, or volunteer in exchange for your meal.
Is this a homeless drop-in center?
No — everyone is welcome.
While we do welcome people experiencing food or housing insecurity, our vision is much broader. This is a space for anyone who is hungry—for food, for connection, for community.
Do I have to volunteer?
Not at all.
You’re invited to participate in whatever way feels meaningful to you, but there is no expectation. You can simply come, eat, and be.
Do I have to be religious?
Absolutely not.
People of all faiths—and no faith—are welcome here. There is no pressure to believe, participate, or engage in any religious practice and no one will try to convert you.
Do I have to attend worship to receive food?
Never.
Food, hospitality, and connection are always offered freely and without conditions.
What does “pay-what-you-can” really mean?
It means everyone contributes in the way they are able.
Some people pay the full suggested amount. Some give more to help cover others. Some give what they can. Some volunteer their time.
All of it matters. All of it sustains the community.
What is the Recovery Café?
Part of our cafe time is dedicated to a recovery community.
We believe everyone is recovering from something—addiction, loss, mental health struggles, loneliness, or life transitions. Recovery Café hours offer a more structured space for those seeking support, connection, and accountability in their recovery.
Can I just come in and sit without talking to anyone?
Yes, abosolutely!
You are welcome to engage as much or as little as you’d like. Some people come for conversation. Others come for quiet. Both belong here.
What do café hosts do?
Café hosts help create a space of connection.
They may sit with guests, share a meal, start a conversation, or simply be present. There’s no pressure—just an open invitation to connect.
Is this a safe and inclusive space?
Yes.
We are committed to being a welcoming, affirming space for people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences—including sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, immigration status, recovery, neurodiversity, and more.
We especially hope that those who have felt excluded elsewhere will find a home away from home here.
To protect that kind of space, we ask everyone to treat one another with dignity and respect. When that doesn’t happen, we step in to ensure the café remains safe and inclusive for all.
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Where are you located?
We’re located at 1940 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, in the Grand Central District. There is even a Grand Central Trolley stop right outside our door!
Can I bring a friend or family member?
Absolutely.
This is a place to gather. Come with others, or come on your own—either way, there’s a place for you.
How can I support the café?
There are many ways to be part of this community:
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Give financially
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Volunteer your time
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Sign your organization or business up to sponsor or partner
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Spread the word
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Simply show up and be part of the space
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Give us your restaurant or bakery leftovers.
Where does my money go?
Every dollar given to Beloved Community Café is used to support the café itself—covering meals, staffing, supplies, and the ongoing work of creating a welcoming, community-centered space.
While the café is a ministry of Good Samaritan Church, funds designated for the café are kept separate and used exclusively for its operations.
Your generosity helps ensure that everyone who walks through our doors can eat, connect, and belong—regardless of their ability to pay.