Volunteers of all ages serve hot food, snacks and water to a long line of people in a palm-lined parking lot

Dignity in every meal served

Every Tuesday and Thursday, our volunteers prepare and serve more than 100 hot meals in downtown Tampa. No one is ever turned away.

See current needs Volunteer with us

Who we are

Serving our neighbors in downtown Tampa

Sojourner's Light Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving our homeless neighbors with compassion, dignity, and the love of Christ.

Read our mission

Join us for a meal

Tuesdays 5:00–6:00 PM
Thursdays 5:30–6:30 PM

Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
1207 N Jefferson St, Tampa, FL 33602
In the church parking lot

Everyone is welcome. No one is ever turned away.

Get directions

En español: Comida caliente gratis los martes de 5:00 a 6:00 p. m. y los jueves de 5:30 a 6:30 p. m., en el estacionamiento de Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 1207 N Jefferson St, Tampa, FL 33602. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!

What we do

Volunteers spoon hot food onto plates for people waiting at the serving table

Hot meals, twice a week

Every Tuesday and Thursday, our volunteers prepare and serve more than 100 hot meals in downtown Tampa. We believe no one should leave hungry, so everyone is welcome to enjoy generous portions, with second and even third helpings available. No one is ever turned away.

A guitarist in a dark coat and flat cap sings at a microphone stand during the meal

More than a meal

Our amazing volunteers do much more than prepare meals. They also provide bottled water, plates, utensils, chips, snacks, desserts, and other items that help create a complete and enjoyable dining experience. As our guests share a meal, they are often accompanied by live music, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere where they can relax, enjoy fellowship, and simply feel valued.

Gloved volunteers hand a plate of hot food to a smiling person in a knit cap at the serving line

Known by name

One of the most meaningful parts of our mission is building relationships. Our volunteers take the time to sit, listen, and talk with anyone who would like companionship. Over time, we've come to know many of our guests by name, and those personal connections remind each person that they are seen, respected, and never forgotten.

People smile as they look through donated clothing and shoes in the bed of a pickup truck

Caring for the whole person

Several times each month, a volunteer nurse joins us to provide basic wellness checks for anyone who would like one, offering another opportunity to care for both physical and emotional needs. Beyond serving meals, Sojourner's Light collects gently used clothing and distributes it to those in need. We also provide donated hygiene essentials—including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and other personal care items—helping individuals maintain their health, dignity, and confidence.

At Sojourner's Light, we believe that every meal served, every conversation shared, and every act of kindness is an opportunity to bring hope to someone facing difficult circumstances. Through the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and supporters, we strive to be a light in our community—one meal, one smile, and one life at a time.

How you can help right now

See all current needs

Still needed $200 per Thursday meal

Thursday meal sponsors

Our immediate need is four sponsorships of $200 a month for Thursday meals. It costs us $200 each Thursday to buy food and materials. You can give on our Giving page, or if you would like an ongoing sponsorship of one or more Thursday meals, please contact us and we'll add you to our list of sponsors.

Sponsor a meal

Still needed

A transport or cargo van

We are currently using a Ford F-150 with 200,000 miles on it to transport back and forth about 4 times a week. We are seeking a donation of a new or gently used transport or cargo van.

Still needed