mission house
A place providing food, clothing, or other basic necessities to people of limited means, excluding primarily residential facilities.
A mission house is a space where food, drink, clothing, or other basic necessities are provided on a charitable or social basis to persons with low economic means.
Mission houses are often established for religious purposes but as a general type they can also be run by governments or other charities. They include soup kitchens and clothing distribution centers, but not primarily residential or lodging uses such as single-room-occupancies, shelters, or transient hotels.
Religious sponsorship is common without being necessary; government and other charitable providers can operate the same kind of service. The provision of necessities is distinct from lodging people overnight as the facility's primary function.
mission house Photos
Related definitions
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animal shelter
A place where animals are housed for their protection, sometimes also for sale, operated with or without a profit motive. -
food bank
A collection and storage facility for food intended for people in need, usually supplied onward to food pantries. -
food pantry
A place where people in need regularly receive food free of charge or at a very low below-market cost.