Historic Firehouse No. 7
803 N. Notre Dame Ave
Once home to the Historic Fire Station No. 7, the Firehouse now serves as a welcoming space where neighbors connect, community programs thrive, and local services are provided.
About the Building
From hosting public meetings and community events to providing food assistance and space for local organizations, the building continues its long tradition of public service.
Its doors are open to residents looking to connect with neighbors, access resources, or become involved in strengthening the community.
History of the Firehouse
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Firehouse No. 7 was built in 1904. Located at 803 N. Notre Dame Ave, the Queen Anne style building was designed by South Bend architect Charles Brehmer, who lived across the street in a house he designed in 1884 (no longer in existence.)
Brehmer was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he studied architecture from 1876-1882. He designed a number of houses in South Bend, including the fire station at 219 Hill Street.
The structure serves as visible marker to the entrance of Notre Dame Ave leading north to the University of Notre Dame. The Firehouse is one of few buildings that remain from this period.
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The No. 7 Fire Station served the City of South Bend until 1968 when it became too antiquated to serve as a functioning Fire Station.
Shortly thereafter the Northeast Neighborhood Council (the NENC), the local neighborhood organization began meeting at the station. The Fire Station continues to serve as the home base for the NENC.
For numerous years the the NENC has operated a food pantry in the lower level of the building, where many neighborhood meetings and gatherings also take place.
A Center for the Community
The firehouse hosts monthly NENC meetings, providing a forum for residents to discuss neighborhood events, services, and community activities.
It has also served as a neighborhood polling place and a venue for public information sessions focused on safety and emergency preparedness.
In addition, residents can rent the facility at a low cost for private events, celebrations, and family gatherings, making it a valuable community gathering space.
The Food Pantry
We welcome any family in need.
The Food Pantry operates three days a week at the Firehouse, providing food assistance to local residents. Families may visit the pantry once a month.
The pantry is committed to offering nutritious, well-balanced food selections to help support individuals and families in the community.
Open Hours
Tuesday 9–11 AM & 1:30–3:15 PM
Wednesday 1:30–3:15 PM
Friday 1:30–3:15 PM
600+
people in need served per month in fiscal year 2026
We welcome any family in need.
The Food Pantry operates three days a week at the Firehouse, providing food assistance to local residents. Families may visit the pantry once a month.
The pantry is committed to offering nutritious, well-balanced food selections to help support individuals and families in the community.
We are powered by the community.
For more than 20 years, the pantry has been operated entirely by dedicated volunteers, helping maintain consistent service hours for the community.
Local and regional churches provide significant food donations and volunteer assistance, helping the pantry meet the needs of the community.
Donations are always welcome. Food donations may be dropped off during operating hours.
Monetary donations may be sent to:
ATTN: Nan Tulchinsky
Northeast Neighborhood Food Pantry
803 N. Notre Dame Ave.
South Bend, IN 46617
(Please make checks payable to the Northeast Neighborhood Food Pantry.)
Thank you to our partners.
The pantry relies on the generosity of its many community partners including Northeast neighbors, iPorch, CIA (Community in Action), St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, Sacred Heart Parish, Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, Notre Dame Club of St Joseph Valley, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Cultivate Food Rescue, Martin’s, Trader Joe’s, Purple Porch Food Co-op, Dollar Tree, and Hiatt’s Poultry at the South Bend Farmer’s Market.
We are powered by the community.
For more than 20 years, the pantry has been operated entirely by dedicated volunteers, helping maintain consistent service hours for the community.
Local and regional churches provide significant food donations and volunteer assistance, helping the pantry meet the needs of the community.
Donations are always welcome. Food donations may be dropped off during operating hours.
Monetary donations may be sent to:
ATTN: Nan Tulchinsky
Northeast Neighborhood Food Pantry
803 N. Notre Dame Ave.
South Bend, IN 46617
(Please make checks payable to the Northeast Neighborhood Food Pantry.)
Thank you to our partners.
The pantry relies on the generosity of its many community partners including Northeast neighbors, iPorch, Community in Action (CIA), St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, Sacred Heart Parish, the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, the Notre Dame Club of St Joseph Valley, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Cultivate Food Rescue, Martin’s, Trader Joe’s, Purple Porch Food Co-op, Dollar Tree, and Hiatt’s Poultry at the South Bend Farmer’s Market.