13 Oct Ministry Village at Olive, Inc.

Posted at 20:53h in 2024, Health & Wellness, Ministry Village at Olive, Nonprofit by

ministry village at olive, inc.

Tender Hearts Caring Hands Building

Grant Year: 2024 | Focus Area: Health & Wellness | Grant Amount: $100,670 | Grant Status: In progress

Ministry Village at Olive started in 2008 and has expanded to continue the vision of helping the "least of these." The organization's mission is to express love to all people through acts of service. The organization aims to increase access to unserved or underserved community needs including emotional, financial, mental, medical, physical, spiritual, and vocational essentials. Ministry Village at Olive has five points of service: the Early Learning Center that provides daycare for children 3 months to 5 years; The Bargain Center, a thrift store that provides employment for women in their recovery program, clothes for the needy, and new and used items at discounted prices; the Most Excellent Way program, providing confidential addiction support and resources for recovery; the Charis House, a residential addiction recovery program for women over 18 years providing counseling, addiction support, job/skill training, education, and aftercare; and the Tender Hearts Caring Hands program that assists those in need with a food pantry, showers, hygiene kits, light bill assistance, bus tickets, and other resources as needed.

OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

Currently, the Ministry Village is operating out of an older headquarters building that was built in the 1960s, which includes an outdoor shower trailer, a makeshift kitchen, minimal storage facilities, and an outdoor dining area only open twice a week. IMPACT 100 funds will be used to purchase a 9,000 sq. ft. metal building to expand the facility, improving ADA access and providing climate-controlled indoor services. The land for the building, flooring, plumbing, electrical services, and furnishings for the building have been donated by the local community. The new building will provide a more efficient space for Tender Hearts Caring Hands services with new ADA-accessible showering facilities and restrooms and will provide a more dignified experience for those seeking the basic human comforts of proper hygiene. Bringing the dining facilities indoors and away from the elements will provide a safer experience for those who need a meal. Proper hot/cold storage areas will allow for more in-kind donations and provide more emergency grocery services to members of the community. Furnished indoor offices and common areas will offer security and privacy to those seeking financial counseling.

EXPECTED IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

The higher cost of living has led to more community members experiencing homelessness, financial hardships, and food insecurity. According to reports, Escambia County experienced nearly an 80% increase in the number of unsheltered between 2022-2023. With the rising cost of housing, the number of unsheltered people is on a historic rise and reports state families have the highest growth escalating to 21.6%. The target population for Tender Hearts Caring Hands are the homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless, those in need of financial assistance, and those dealing with mental illness, addiction, or hunger. Over the past 24 months, Tender Hearts Caring Hands numbers served has increased to over 400 people per month. The new building will allow for the expansion of operating hours, leading to an increase in the number of people served. The proposed expansion ensures a minimum 300% growth in support for community members needing safe shower facilities, grocery assistance services, indoor meals, financial assistance counseling, transportation assistance and more. These resources are vital to individuals who are less fortunate in our community and who want to elevate themselves out of their current situation.

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