Metrocrest Services is expecting to see large increases in need beginning this week and anticipate that continuing into the unforeseeable future. This will initially impact the pantry. The families and seniors that Metrocrest serves are reliant on the pantry for healthy food. With the closing of restaurants, retailers, and other service-oriented businesses many of those in our community will see a significant reduction in income.
While many employers indicate they plan to pay their employees even if they close we expect that to occur for only a limited amount of time and primarily benefit full-time workers. This will lead to a greater need for our housing assistance program to ensure families can pay their rent and avoid eviction.
Metrocrest Services is formulating plans to ensure the needs of those we serve are met while at the same time addressing the safety of our employees and volunteers. As plans are developed we will share widely. We know the community wants to help.
At this point there are two ways to help immediately:
- The first is to make a monetary donation. You can do so at https://www.metrocrestservices.org/idonate.php. Choose “Greatest Need” as the Designation and we will use those funds to ensure the pantry remains stocked and our neighbors stay housed.
- The second way to help is to donate items for the pantry. As of today, these are the most needed items: Canned Tuna, Cereal, Canned Soup, Baking items (flour, sugar, cooking oil), canned fruit.
We know there is a desire to volunteer. As needs arise we will post those on our website. However, we encourage you to go ahead and set up a Volunteer Profile at https://metrocrestservices.secure.force.com/volunteers/Application. We will be streamlining the process to ensure you can volunteer once the need arises. Our pantry hours are currently Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (subject to change).
With our schools closing, impacting thousands of children, and with the uncertainty regarding wages for many in our community, we are committed to remaining open to serve the needs of our community. Our motto is “building a stronger community together”. This is a time when the strength of our community will rise to the occasion.