Since 1984, Mary's Kitchen has provided fresh, frozen and canned foods, as well as clothing, personal hygiene products, laundry and mail services to Orange County's homeless community.
Our History
Mary’s Kitchen is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that provides compassionate care for the less fortunate in Orange County, California. All services are conducted in a manner that preserves the dignity and humanity of our guests. 100% of all monetary donations received directly fund the services we provide to our guests.
In 1984, an 82-year-old Mary McAnena, founder of Mary’s Kitchen, helped a homeless woman in Hart Park, Orange, California. Here she found her calling and dedicated her life to help those less fortunate. Mary’s dream soon became a reality, and Mary’s Kitchen was born. Mary’s home became the headquarters of a communal effort to give. Armed with a four-burner stove and dedicated volunteers, Mary and her kitchen got to work. They transported food to Hart Park and served men, women, and children who were homeless and in dire need. Ten years later, the kitchen moved to its temporary home on Struck Ave in Orange, California. In 2022, Mary's kitchen moved to its current residence in Anaheim, California.
Mary’s Kitchen is powered by dedicated, hard-working volunteers. Financial support is provided through donations from individuals, students, churches, local corporations/small businesses, and grocery stores. Through its years of service, Mary's kitchen has helped an average of 200 individuals a day. Mary knew that they hungered for respect, dignity, and connection beyond food. With grace, humor and warmth Mary served Orange County, and these values still resonate through our services today.
