2nd Annual “Hole in One for Hunger” Golf Outing
Join us on September 19th!
Welcome to Bessie Green Community, Inc.
Known among our neighbors as “The Red Door,” Bessie Green Community Inc. has been serving the underprivileged of Newark, New Jersey since 1978.
We provide hot meals, clothing, bags of food and support services to the community at large. Everyday, we seek to fulfill our mission of “Feeding, clothing, and supporting our neighbors with compassion and dignity” as we diligently pursue the vision of an “equitable world for all”.
Free Farmers Market
Fridays: 12 pm - 2 pm
Fresh produce and fruits!
Come meet the team!
Our History
How many people can one fur coat feed and clothe? Well, if it’s the legendary fur coat donated in the 1970s, the answer is thousands.
Legend has it that in 1978, Bessie Green, then a member of the North Reformed Church in Newark, New Jersey, realized that if her fur coat was sold, the money could be used to purchase coats and food for the homeless and underprivileged of Newark. She then donated her fur coat to be used for that purpose.
While that story may or may not be completely true, Mrs. Green did plant the seed which became Bessie Green Community, Inc.
Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charity in 1978, Bessie Green Community, Inc., began serving its neighbors by opening a clothing barn, soup kitchen, and food pantry.
Today, we continue to provide food and clothing to our neighbors. We rely on donations from area churches, Corporate Sponsorships, Foundation Grants and individual contributions.
Mission Statement
Feeding, clothing, and supporting our neighbors with compassion and dignity
Vision Statement
An equitable world for all