Sources’ food bank is moving.
Denise Darrell – Sources’ director of women, seniors and community services – confirmed last week that the organization has secured a new facility for its Food Bank Resource Centre, currently located at 5-15515 24 Ave.
But clients need not worry about having to travel far from the beaten path to find the new digs, Darrell said.
They’re less than a block away, in a two-storey building at 2343 156 St. Sources takes possession on April 1, and will begin operations at the new site in July.
“It’s exciting,” Darrell told Peace Arch News of the development.
In addition to giving the program much-needed extra space, the new site means the facility will no longer be at the mercy of a landlord – Sources has bought the property, and will be launching a capital campaign to raise $500,000 to support the purchase and renovations.
In addition to the food-distribution program, the building will house Sources’ rent bank – which offers short-term loans to those at risk of eviction – and help with such things as income tax.
News of a move was announced at White Rock City Hall on March 11, during the evening’s council meeting – but Darrell was shocked to learn that attendees were told the food bank would be reopening in Newton.
Darrell assured that is not the case. Newton food bank clients are served by the Surrey Food Bank, she said.
Sources’ food bank is only accessible to clients who live south of 40 Avenue.
“We would never move the food bank out of the White Rock/South Surrey area, because that’s who we serve,” she said “The whole idea was we would not be displaced.”
Darrell noted the move will also mean better air quality for staff and clients; and, getting away from the median on 24 Avenue.
Installed in 2007, the median, which prevents eastbound motorists from turning into businesses on the north side of 24 Avenue, “has impacted us, in terms of donations,” Darrell said.
“It’s just not as accessible.”
Owning the food bank site also means more stability for those who depend on it, she said. The food bank serves about 560 people every week.
There is Newton news for Sources, however. Programs for women such as the society’s employment and advocacy services are being centralized there, in a building near 137 Street and 72 Avenue. Legal services formerly offered at Sources’ Women’s Place in South Surrey will also be offered from the Newton office – but still available in South Surrey.
“It’s centralizing and putting everything in one building, so we’re excited about that,” Darrell said.
“Everything will be housed in one building.”