Hastings Family Service is expanding! Like many other businesses and organizations, Hastings Family Service (HFS) had to get creative during the pandemic. With new and modified programs as well as increased food shelf need, space became an issue. Since March of 2020, HFS’s Rivertown Treasures thrift store has been closed and was converted to pallet storage for food and boxes, and to provide socially distanced food packing and food sorting stations for volunteers.

HFS is re-opening Rivertown Treasures on July 6th and needed to find additional space to continue new programs developed during the pandemic, so the agency has announced the purchase of the building adjacent to their current facility.

“We realized that many of the programs that we started or expanded during the pandemic are here to stay,” said Amy Sutton, HFS Associate Director. “That requires additional space, especially for food, and fortunately, the answer was right next door!”

The additional space provides much-needed warehouse space and will also allow for additional office and meeting space and a dedicated volunteer space. According to Sutton, this is an opportunity to grow capacity with the convenience of adjacent space. It will provide a safer environment for staff and volunteers by reducing much of the heavy lifting when food and other items like school supplies need to be moved. See HASTINGS FAMILY SERVICE Page 3

Hastings Family Service has signed the purchase agreement for the adjoining space at 311 2nd Street East, adding much neeeded space to expand their services. Photo by Bruce Karnick. Hastings Family Service

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It also allows HFS to continue to serve neighbors from one location, eliminating barriers and allowing staff to work more efficiently.

HFS took possession of the property on June 30th and will begin renovations later this summer, including connecting the two properties. Although the HFS building has been closed to the public for nearly 16 months, programs and services have been available in a modified way and will continue to operate during the renovations. “Our staff and volunteers have been here every day throughout the pandemic and all services have been available in a modified way with the exception of Just Friends Transportation. Just Friends was recently reinstated to provide rides to medical appointments, and we look forward to welcoming the community back to Rivertown Treasures and the HFS Donation Center on July 6th,” said Sutton.

HFS is looking forward to this opportunity to grow and improve programs. If you or someone you know could use assistance after this unprecedented year of challenges, please contact HFS at 651-437-7134. All services currently begin with a phone call.