Over 40 Years of Providing Hope
People lining up for a hot meal on the opening day of Eva's Kitchen, April 26, 1982.
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Msgr. Puma serving lunch at Eva's Kitchen, 1982
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Eva's Kitchen first Kitchen Director Eva Hernandez, SMIC,
with guests, 1982, in Paterson.
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In 1982, during the height of the recession, the Paterson Council of Priests, led by Monsignor Vincent E. Puma, saw the urgent need to respond to hunger and homelessness in the community. Together, they gave from their parish collections to open a small soup kitchen in the basement of the Sisters of Charity convent at St. John’s Cathedral on Grand Street.
The kitchen was named in honor of Sister Eva Hernandez, its first director, a Missionary Sister of the Immaculate Conception who had devoted her life to helping those in need. She brought her experience providing food and housing for migrant workers in Texas to Paterson, laying the foundation for what would become a beacon of hope.
At the beginning, Eva’s Kitchen offered simple meals of franks and beans to 30 guests. Yet it quickly grew into a place of healing, offering not only nourishment but also free medical and mental health screenings, and connections to programs that addressed substance use, employment, and social services.
As the need grew, so did Eva’s Village. Emergency shelters were established, followed by treatment and recovery programs that brought dignity and second chances to those struggling with substance use disorders.
Over the last four decades, Monsignor Puma’s vision has inspired countless volunteers, thousands of supporters, community partners, and dedicated staff to expand this mission of compassion. Together, they have built a community where hope is restored and lives are transformed.
Today, Eva’s Community Kitchen serves nearly 1,000 meals each day. More importantly, it opens the door to vital services that address hunger, homelessness, poverty, addiction, and mental health challenges. Every meal, every program, and every act of kindness helps thousands of men, women, and children each year to rebuild their lives with strength and dignity.
The kitchen was named in honor of Sister Eva Hernandez, its first director, a Missionary Sister of the Immaculate Conception who had devoted her life to helping those in need. She brought her experience providing food and housing for migrant workers in Texas to Paterson, laying the foundation for what would become a beacon of hope.
At the beginning, Eva’s Kitchen offered simple meals of franks and beans to 30 guests. Yet it quickly grew into a place of healing, offering not only nourishment but also free medical and mental health screenings, and connections to programs that addressed substance use, employment, and social services.
As the need grew, so did Eva’s Village. Emergency shelters were established, followed by treatment and recovery programs that brought dignity and second chances to those struggling with substance use disorders.
Over the last four decades, Monsignor Puma’s vision has inspired countless volunteers, thousands of supporters, community partners, and dedicated staff to expand this mission of compassion. Together, they have built a community where hope is restored and lives are transformed.
Today, Eva’s Community Kitchen serves nearly 1,000 meals each day. More importantly, it opens the door to vital services that address hunger, homelessness, poverty, addiction, and mental health challenges. Every meal, every program, and every act of kindness helps thousands of men, women, and children each year to rebuild their lives with strength and dignity.
Our Founder
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"When you take someone's hand, you should never let go of it until they can stand on their own two feet." Msgr. Vincent Puma Founder of Eva's Village |
Rev. Msgr. Vincent E. Puma (1926–2012) devoted his life to service and compassion for those in need. Ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 1951, he served in the Diocese of Paterson for more than six decades, ministering as pastor, educator, therapist, and spiritual guide.
In 1982, while pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Paterson, he founded Eva’s Kitchen in the basement of St. John’s Cathedral to serve 30 hungry neighbors. From that first meal, he listened to the needs of everyone who came through the door and sought to meet them where they were. Over time, he expanded this work into Eva’s Village, a comprehensive social service organization that provides food, shelter, medical care, and substance use treatment to thousands of people each year.
Throughout his lifetime, Msgr. Puma was honored for his service and commitment to the community. The Vatican recognized his service, appointing him Papal Chamberlain in 1963 and elevating him to Prelate of Honor in 1980. He received the Paterson Humanitarian Award, the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service, and was named Man of the Year by St. Joseph’s Hospital. In 2009, Eva’s Village presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his vision and dedication.
Even in retirement, he remained a source of comfort, serving as chaplain at Cedar Crest Village and later residing at St. Vincent’s Nursing Home. He made his final visit to Eva’s Village in 2012 to celebrate its 30th anniversary and thank the donors, volunteers, and staff who continued his mission.
Today, Msgr. Puma’s legacy continues to touch the lives of thousands of individuals and families who rely on Eva’s Village each year for food, shelter, treatment, and support. He believed that every person deserves to be met with dignity, compassion, and hope. This belief remains at the heart of Eva’s Village and guides its mission every day.
In 1982, while pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Paterson, he founded Eva’s Kitchen in the basement of St. John’s Cathedral to serve 30 hungry neighbors. From that first meal, he listened to the needs of everyone who came through the door and sought to meet them where they were. Over time, he expanded this work into Eva’s Village, a comprehensive social service organization that provides food, shelter, medical care, and substance use treatment to thousands of people each year.
Throughout his lifetime, Msgr. Puma was honored for his service and commitment to the community. The Vatican recognized his service, appointing him Papal Chamberlain in 1963 and elevating him to Prelate of Honor in 1980. He received the Paterson Humanitarian Award, the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service, and was named Man of the Year by St. Joseph’s Hospital. In 2009, Eva’s Village presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his vision and dedication.
Even in retirement, he remained a source of comfort, serving as chaplain at Cedar Crest Village and later residing at St. Vincent’s Nursing Home. He made his final visit to Eva’s Village in 2012 to celebrate its 30th anniversary and thank the donors, volunteers, and staff who continued his mission.
Today, Msgr. Puma’s legacy continues to touch the lives of thousands of individuals and families who rely on Eva’s Village each year for food, shelter, treatment, and support. He believed that every person deserves to be met with dignity, compassion, and hope. This belief remains at the heart of Eva’s Village and guides its mission every day.
