The Coney Island Lighthouse Mission, the largest food pantry and soup kitchen in the area, is in financial trouble and may close in January 2026 if it can’t find emergency funding. For over 25 years, this mission has been a lifeline, helping more than 7,000 families each month. Pastor Tony Robbins, who has led the mission since 2020, emphasizes the community’s needs, especially food insecurity.
Each month, over 14,000 people depend on the Mission for food, hot meals, and various outreach programs. Despite this, the mission struggles to cover its basic costs like rent and utilities since losing significant donors after the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts on nonprofit operations often highlight how organizations can lose critical funding during times of crisis, making it vital for them to diversify their fundraising strategies.
“Since COVID hit, we lost all our major donors,” Robbins explains. The situation is dire; as costs rise, the Mission has cut back staff and programs, relying heavily on volunteers to continue its services. Without an immediate cash boost, it might shut down by the end of the year.
In a vivid example of the Mission’s importance, volunteer Scott Cantone describes long lines of people waiting for food. “There are more than 200 people who come every day,” he shares, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Many waiting in line are from local housing developments, families in need, and even asylum seekers. Community demand has spiked, making the Mission an essential resource for many who face food scarcity.
One touching story shared by Cantone shows how deeply the Mission impacts lives. A mother and her four children, turned away elsewhere, knocked on the door after hours. “She started crying,” he recalls, describing their relief when they received food, including shelf-stable milk. Such moments illustrate how small acts of kindness can offer immense hope to families.
Robbins warns that if the Mission closes, it would be devastating for the neighborhood. “We give good-quality food,” he says, emphasizing the Mission’s role in combating food insecurity. While they have food on hand, their struggle lies in maintaining facilities like refrigerators and freezers necessary for proper food storage.
Local officials, including Council Member-elect Kayla Santosuosso, are reaching out to businesses and community partners for support, but the need for broader assistance is critical. This aligns with recent trends where many community organizations are rallying support at the grassroots level to survive these economic challenges.
Ultimately, the Coney Island Lighthouse Mission needs to raise $100,000 in the coming months. This fund is essential for keeping their doors open and continuing to serve the many families that rely on them. With the community’s support and understanding, there’s hope they can survive and thrive.
For more information on how to support the Mission, visit their [GoFundMe page](https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-coney-island-lighthouse-mission?attribution_id=sl:1080202f-e086-4102-b28f-b5ac2484a3ec&lang=en_US&ts=1765300628&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_ta&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link).
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