The Capuchin Soup Kitchen Finds Success by Stretching its Fundraising Efforts Beyond its Traditional Donor Base

By Jim Dickman

The Capuchins began their Detroit ministry in 1883. Establishing a religious mission to live and work among the poor, they offer help to all in need regardless of race, sex, age, color, national origin, religious preference, handicap or income.

The idea for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen began when the Rev. Solanus Casey, then the doorkeeper at the Capuchins’ St. Bonaventure Monastery, began providing sandwiches and counseling to the many poor and hungry people who came to him for help.