Wake Up Wednesday

A Weekly Commitment to Community, Care & Connection

Every Wednesday, something powerful happens in Hartford.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Greater Hartford NAACP hosts Wake Up Wednesday — an ongoing grassroots initiative focused on direct relief, mutual aid, and real-time support for our community. What started as a simple food distribution effort has grown into a full-scale weekly outreach serving hundreds of residents in need.

We believe change doesn’t just happen at city hall or in courtrooms — it happens in parking lots, on sidewalks, in face-to-face conversations with the people who need it most.

What We Offer

Each Wednesday, residents can access:

  • Free groceries for families and individuals
  • Freshly prepared meals — from cookouts to grinders
  • Clothing giveaways for all ages and seasons
  • Household supplies and hygiene essentials

Whether you’re struggling with food insecurity or just trying to get through a tough week, Wake Up Wednesday is here for you — no forms, no questions, no barriers.

Community Resources You Can Use

Every week also features on-site community partners offering services like:

  • Job support and reentry programs for those with records or employment gaps
  • Legal aid from Greater Hartford Legal Aid, offering guidance and representation
  • Harm reduction services through CTHRA, including Narcan kits, clean syringes, and overdose prevention tools
  • Housing and recovery resources for those seeking stability or treatment

We bring services to where people already are — no need to navigate red tape or travel across town.

Why It Matters

For many, Wake Up Wednesday is more than a program — it’s a lifeline. It’s a place where dignity is restored, where neighbors look out for one another, and where we remind ourselves that no one in this city should face hardship alone.

In a world that often forgets the most vulnerable, we choose to remember. Week after week.

How You Can Support

You can help sustain Wake Up Wednesday by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word. Whether you’re a local business, a concerned resident, or someone who’s been helped and wants to give back — there’s a place for you here.

To get involved, contact us HERE