Project Hope Of Northeast Allegan County Inc

Programs: Food pantry ministry - in 2017, 443,390 pounds of food were distributed to 5,204 families. Each family received on average of over 85 pounds of food during the year. Per feeding america, the average retail cost of the food would be 2. 17 per pound. Using this measure the ministry distributed free food with a total retail value of 962,156 during the year. Each family is personally greeted in a private setting where their situation is reviewed and prayed for before they shop and select their own food.

compassionate care ministry - the ministry served and counseled 551 families to provide compassionate care and assist them in finding financial resources. Of these, 413 families were provided financial assistance for rent, utilities, prescriptions, or vehicle repairs totalling 39,618. These payments were directly made to the service provider. 21 families were assisted with clothing and household good from the thrift store stock. 29 families were referred to our pantry and 166 families were referred to other agencies.

the thrift store sells a wide variety of clothes and household goods most of which have been donated to the ministry by supporters. Nearly fifty percent of all sales are made at a discount from the original price. Anyone may shop at the store, but a fifty percent discount is provided to those who qualify for food assistance and to all volunteers. A twenty-five percent discount is provided to those donating to the ministry. In 2017 the ministry donated goods to churches, and other ministries amounting to a thrift store value of 115,925. In summary the thrift store gives away nearly half of the goods given to it through customer discounts and donations to other ministries. In addition, it is an excellent source of necessary goods at a remarkably low cost for those in need.