Friends of the Poor Scranton

Friends of the Poor is a nonprofit agency located in Scranton, PA that seeks to ease the burdens of living in poverty and enhance the quality of life for all who live in low- to moderate-income communities. Founded in 1986 by the late Sister Adrian Barrett, IHM and sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), we provide emergency relief for over 15,000 unduplicated individuals each year. Friends of the Poor has 12 regular food pantries in Lackawanna County, as well as pop-up locations as needed. Clothing, furniture, household items, and material assistance are available through the pantries as well. We also have a men’s clothing program, after-school programs, summer camps, summer activities, and seasonal giveaways such as Christmas toys, food, and clothing. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Friends of the Poor and our Family to Family program began additional drive-through food distributions which served over 100,000 individuals in 2020 alone.