Covington’s Community Dinner Seeks New Home After 25 Years

The Saturday Night Community Dinner in Covington, Kentucky, is in urgent need of a new location after serving the community for nearly 25 years. This vital program, which provides warm meals and a supportive environment for those in need, is facing uncertainty following the recent decision by First Christian Church to sell its building. The church, located at 14 West 5th Street, is set to vacate the space by the end of this year.

Impact on the Community

Since its inception, the Saturday Night Community Dinner has been a beacon of hope for many Covington residents. Initially serving about 100–120 diners each week before the pandemic, the dinner now caters to around 50–60 individuals weekly. These guests often grapple with issues such as homelessness, financial difficulties, mental health challenges, and food insecurity.

Every Saturday evening at 5:30 PM, attendees not only receive nourishing meals but also the comfort of a warm indoor space. Volunteers highlight the dinner as a sanctuary where individuals can experience kindness and dignity. “Our guests are seen as God’s beloved—fully human and worthy of care, respect, and compassion,” organizers state. “This ministry won’t stop until the day every person in Covington has enough. Until then, we keep showing up.”

A Call for Support and Partnership

With the future of the dinner in jeopardy, the partner churches are actively searching for a new venue that meets specific requirements. An ideal location would be situated along or near the Madison Avenue corridor, accessible by public transport, and equipped with a certified kitchen capable of hosting 60–80 people. Additionally, features such as ADA accessibility and climate control are strongly preferred.

Current partners include:

• Bulletsville Christian Church (DOC)
• Trinity Episcopal Church
• Crescent Springs Presbyterian
• Lakeside Presbyterian
• First Christian Church, Covington (DOC)
• Milford Christian Church
• Erlanger Christian Church (DOC)
• Various families, neighbors, and volunteers

More partners are welcome to join the effort, regardless of religious affiliation. Consistency is essential for the program, as many attendees rely on knowing where to find food and community support each week.

Those with leads on a suitable space or individuals interested in volunteering are encouraged to reach out to Sheri at First Christian Church by phone at 859-431-3904 or via email at [email protected].

As the search for a new home continues, the community is reminded of the importance of supporting local initiatives that foster compassion and togetherness. The Saturday Night Community Dinner embodies the spirit of Covington, and its future depends on the collaboration and support of its residents.