In the 1970s and early 1980s Corpus Christi found itself with a burgeoning homeless population. Unfortunately there were no formal facilities to help these hungry children and adults. In response to this need Corpus Christi Cathedral, First United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church began providing hot meals at their respective locations. The demand, however, soon became too great.

Mayor Luther Jones called a meeting of the leaders of Corpus Christi's major downtown churches. A four-fold plan was established to provide food, shelter, employment assistance and spiritual care for the poor. The John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Foundation purchased a facility to house the entire operation and turned it over to Metro Ministries, which incorporated in October of 1982.

Metro Ministries' Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers are committed to continuing to care for the chronically homeless on Leopard Street and the hundreds of working poor who come to us each week. As part of our continuing efforts to improve our services, we constructed a $2.4 million facility (10,000 square feet) that serves as the new home for the Loaves & Fishes free cafeteria and Rainbow House for women and children. What a blessing this is for the children and adults who find hope and a better life through Metro Ministries!