Mrs. Mamie Catlin, a longtime resident of Camp Street , recognized poverty and hunger in her neighborhood. In 1985 she opened an emergency food pantry in the parish hall of her church, United First Born Church of Jesus Christ, at 1901/2 Camp Street.

	Mrs Mamie Catlin

Starting with a breadline, Mrs, Catlin and other volunteers from the church began to offer other foods, and also whatever clothing was donated. The church continues to support the Pantry as part of its outreach program and still provides space and utilities. Mrs. Catlin has been given Community Service Awards by the Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation in 1992, by the NAACP in 1996 and by the Urban League in 1999, for her work in alleviating hunger, and a Citizen's Citation from the Mayor of Providence.

In 1990, a community board of directors was organized to help Mrs. Catlin, and the next year Camp Street Community Ministries, Inc. 501(c)3 status was gratnted. The Camp Street Community Ministries board continues to work on developing a broader program of social services in their neighborhood.