209 North First Avenue
Barstow, CA 92311
ph: 760-256-7797
fax: 760-256-4043
desertma
St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Barstow began handing out sandwiches at the church office door in 1979. As the amount of people in need increased, St. Joseph's and a coalition of local churches, including the First Congregational United Church of Christ, came together to form Desert Manna Ministries, Inc. Established in 1989 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Desert Manna opened its shelter the same year. We have been at the same location since our inception but our services have increased as the needs of homeless and low-income people have changed. We currently serve approximately 5% of Barstow's population each year.
Fred Broadhead, who was the first Executive Director, helped create Desert Manna. Emma Gross, Executive Director for 7 years, expanded on the original vision and moved Desert Manna forward. We honor the work and dedication of these visionaries.
209 North First Avenue
Barstow, CA 92311
ph: 760-256-7797
fax: 760-256-4043
desertma