Our Stories Preventing Homelessness, Ending Hunger

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Growing Community

That weekly bag of free groceries can make all the difference.

Beating Hunger

Win, Win

Giving Back through the Gift of story

A constant struggle

John and Jeff, two brothers who live with Jeff's four year old daughter, live in an apartment in our area.   Both had full time jobs, but each had their hours significantly reduced until they could no longer afford the rent.  After falling for a few months, they were issued an eviction notice.   John and Jeff heard about MOM and hoped that we could help them with their hopeless situation.  MOM helped them apply for a grant through the county that was enough to stave off eviction.   John and Jeff were also approved for a Rent Subsidy which will assist them with a small grant over the next six months.   One of MOM's case managers helped with employment search counseling which led to a job offer for Jeff - he started his full time job just last month.

Claire

Claire is a 66 year old woman who suffers from terminal cancer.  She's a single parent to her physically & mentally disabled son and struggles to make ends meet with rent that is only $100 below her income.  Recently, Claire's sister passed away, leaving her to care for a 16 year old niece.  As a result of everything that is going on in her life, she was unable to keep up w/the rent payments and was issued an eviction notice.  Since connecting with MOM, Claire was approved for grants which were enough for the landlord to rescind her eviction notice and is working towards additional financial assistance which will enable her and her family to get back on their feet.

In a Time of Crisis

A guest came to the pantry very sheepishly asking if she could take a few extra food staples.  There was a fire in her apartment building and electricity was cut off for two days and she had been staying at a motel.    She was so nervous and shaken, but grateful to be able to get some extra food items during this time of crisis.

Up Close and Personal

The DC manager recently gave a presentation at a local school.  Afterwards, a girl very sheepishly told her that her family also uses the pantry and she "feels kind of embarrassed about it."  She told her how her father always puts on his nicest dress clothing when he shops at the pantry so he doesn't "look" poor.

How can we erase her worries and fears?  Food is something everyone needs.  There is no shame in doing what it takes to provide food for your family and with so much excess food in the world, the real shame is to not share it with those in need.

Contributing to her health

This growing season, the Food Pantry garden has given several of our customers their own garden plots, complete with a volunteer mentor.   Participants keep some of the produce, and give some back to the Food Pantry to share with others.  Here is what one participant said about the opportunity:

"I like being in touch with nature and getting dirty and watching plants grow. I feel blessed to have my own dirt to bond with my plants.

I like the community effort we all pull together having the same mission and enjoy learning together.  Community gardening helps build team effort and creates friendships.

And most of all, lots of great food is generated to eat and contribute to the MOM's food pantry which takes good care of so many families that don't have the luxury of gardening."

Because it was the Right Thing to Do

"My son Eric and I have volunteered together regularly at the Food Pantry for the past four years.  We didn't do it because of any obligations to fill - instead we did it because it is the right thing to do - to help our community neighbors through rough times. I know the friends he has made - both with clients and volunteers and the many experiences we both have shared will not be forgotten as he moves away to attend college."