2025 Community Resource & Holiday Help Guide
- Allen Williams
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
Utica–Rome & Surrounding Oneida/Herkimer Counties
Compiled to help neighbors in need find hope, help, and support this season.
🚨 Crisis & Mental Health Support
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
📞 Call or text 988 (24/7, free & confidential) — for mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or emotional distress.
Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT)
📞 315-732-6228 — 24/7 mobile response team for Oneida & Herkimer Counties.
Professionals can come to you for on-site mental health help.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor anytime.
HOPEline (NYS OASAS)
📞 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) — 24/7 for substance use help or referrals.
Center for Family Life & Recovery (CFLR)
💬 Counseling, recovery support, prevention programs.
Helio Health
🏥 Detox & treatment programs for substance use and mental health.
📍 Regional offices in Utica, Syracuse & beyond.
🏠 Homeless Services & Shelters
Rescue Mission of Utica
📞 315-735-1645 | 293 Genesee St., Utica
Emergency men’s shelter, food, recovery & employment programs.
Emmaus House
📞 315-797-3339 | Shelter for women & children (via DSS referral).
Provides meals, case management, and transitional support.
Evelyn’s House (ICAN)
📞 315-927-5864 | Transitional housing for pregnant & parenting young mothers.
Rome Rescue Mission
📞 315-337-2516 | 413 E. Dominick St., Rome
Provides emergency shelter, hot meals, and clothing.
🍽️ Free Meals & Food Pantries
Hope House
📍 112 South St., Utica | 📞 315-793-3723
Hot meals served daily: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen
📍 702 Columbia St., Utica | 📞 315-735-3289
Hot lunch served daily 11:30–12:30.
Utica Food Pantry
📍 524 Elizabeth St., Utica | 📞 315-724-6000
Open Mon/Wed/Thu 11–1. ID and proof of address required.
Salvation Army Pantries
Utica: 📍 14 Clinton Pl. | 📞 315-724-8736
Rome: 📍 410 W. Dominick St. | 📞 315-336-4260
Feed Our Vets – Utica Pantry
📍 502 Broad St., Utica | 📞 315-525-9206
Open Wed 1:30–5:30 PM and 3rd Sat monthly for veterans and families.
Rescue Mission of Utica – Food Programs
Meals, pantry assistance, and community outreach available.
💡 Financial, Rent, & Utility Help
Oneida County Dept. of Social Services (DSS)
📍 800 Park Ave., Utica | 📞 315-798-5700
Emergency housing, rent, SNAP, and financial aid.
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
Utica: 📞 315-798-6474
Rome: 📞 315-356-2840
Helps with winter heating costs and emergency fuel assistance.
United Way 2-1-1 Mid-York
📞 2-1-1 or 1-844-342-5211 (24/7)
Text ZIP code to 898-211 for a list of nearby services.
⚖️ Legal Assistance
Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York – Utica Office
📍 120 Bleecker St., Utica | 📞 315-793-7000
Free legal help for housing, family, benefits, and other civil matters (income eligibility applies).
💜 Domestic Violence & Safety
YWCA Mohawk Valley
📞 24/7 Hotline: 315-797-7740 (Oneida) | 315-866-4120 (Herkimer)
Safe shelter, advocacy, counseling, and emergency support for survivors of domestic or sexual violence.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
📞 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | Text START to 88788
🎁 Holiday Gift & Toy Assistance (2025)
Operation Sunshine
🎄 Toys, hats/gloves, and meals through partner agencies (for kids under 13).
📞 315-272-2600 | The Neighborhood Center, 624 Elizabeth St., Utica
Holiday Hopes – House of the Good Shepherd
🎁 Provides gifts and essentials for children & families.
ICAN – Adopt a Family
🎁 Matches donors with local families to fulfill wish lists.
📞 315-792-9039 | 🌐 ican.family
Neighborhood Center – Holiday Assistance
🎁 New, unwrapped gifts and family sponsorships.
📍 624 Elizabeth St., Utica | 📞 315-272-2600
Catholic Charities of Oneida & Madison Counties
🎁 Gift program for children 0–13.
Follow on Facebook for registration dates:
Salvation Army – “Brighten the Holidays”
🎁 Toy & food baskets, holiday events, and Angel Tree program.
YWCA Mohawk Valley – Adopt-A-Family
🎁 Provides gifts & comfort items for families in crisis.
📞 315-797-7740 | 🌐 ywcamv.org/adopt
Connected Community Schools – Connect-A-Kid Program
🎁 Gift drives through area school districts (including Rome).
Steet Ponte Auto Group Giving Trees
🎁 Pick up wish-tags and return gifts by Dec 18.
Pack a Sleigh / Local Church Drives
🎁 Various Utica-area churches host toy giveaways — check local event pages and bulletins for dates.
🧦 Extra Seasonal Help
Coat & Winter Clothing Drives
Utica Rescue Mission and Catholic Charities collect coats & blankets throughout the season.
Many area churches and schools post collection bins — ask local parish offices.
Holiday Meals
Hope House and Rescue Mission of Utica host special Christmas dinners (open to the public).
Rome Rescue Mission often offers Christmas Eve meal & food baskets.
❤️ How You Can Help Others
Donate: new unwrapped toys, coats, blankets, gift cards, or funds.
Adopt a Family: through ICAN, YWCA, or Operation Sunshine.
Volunteer: serve meals at Hope House or Rescue Mission.
Spread the Word: share this guide so no one feels alone this season.
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