With inflation putting pressure on residents of Catholic Charities affordable housing, the agency has begun holding food pantries at the housing sites.
There is a weekly pantry in the building adjacent to Catholic Charities headquarters and 10 other pantries. One of the newest locations is Francis + Clare Place in Southeast Portland, a 61-unit building with supportive services for people who have been homeless or face homelessness.
At the first Francis + Clare pantry, most residents showed up and were highly appreciative. Now the pantry is twice per month, and supplies have increased to meet need.
“It was nice to see everyone’s smile,” reports Jennifer Brevi, resident services specialist for Catholic Charities. “The hits were the fresh apples, Dave’s Killer Bread and honey. We also had some interest in volunteering.”
The pantry is a shopping style experience, with residents signing up and then being taken through the room with the supplies, which come from the Oregon Food Bank and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“It was incredibly successful,” adds Amanda Rozmer, permanent supportive housing supervisor for Catholic Charities. “People have tight budgets. The pantries also give people an opportunity to see their neighbors more.”
When there are leftovers, staff often use them to whip up meals for residents. That creates a community meal, with together time just as nourishing as the veggies.
“We want to bring people together, bring community together and sustain our residents,” says Brevi.
Each unit has its own kitchen, but cooking and eating in the community room is encouraged to break down isolation.
The monthly newsletter at Francis + Clare includes a recipe for using food on offer at the pantry.
“Our food pantries are such a critical part of our operations and services,” says Ken Davis, permanent supportive housing manager for Catholic Charities.