Provision Beyond Just a House
Everyone knows that moving into a new home
can be a daunting task. There's so much to do,
and so much to think about that sometimes you
might even forget to stop and eat amidst the
hustle and bustle. Then you realize with one
look into the refrigerator at the vacant shelves
that it would be futile to try to eat even if you
did have the time. But one organization that
makes the transition smoother and easier for
our new homeowners is the St. Louis Area
Food Bank.
Habitat for Humanity has been in collaboration
with the Food Bank for nearly five years now as,
build after build, they assist our families. Their
generosity has enabled each Habitat family to
start life in their new home with their refrigerators
and pantries stocked with food to last them
for at least a month. Providing 250 pounds of
canned goods, pastas, rice, meats, paper
products, and even personal hygiene items
helps lift the heavy burden of relocation.
Although Habitat provides an interest-free mortgage
at a low monthly rate, moving still can be
a financial burden. Many of our families are
coming from either apartments or homes where
they were doubled up with other families, so
furniture is usually the number one financial
priority. And with an average of three to four
children of varying ages in the home, our families'
food costs can be quite hefty. By helping to
secure the basic requirements to meet a
family's physical needs, the Food Bank affords
our parents the opportunity to obtain a few
other needs and desires.
Families are warned in advance by the Food
Bank staff to arrive with a large car or truck
and they then are amazed at how 250 pounds
of food can fill a mid-size van. When possible,
a Habitat Family Partner (a buddy assigned
to the family) assists them as they travel the
aisles of the large pantry, picking out what best
will suit their family's needs. At the end of the
day, Habitat families have more than just peace
of mind stemming from the knowledge that
tummies will be full that night and for nights
to come. They come home with eyes wide open
and mouths dropped in awe at the wonderful
blessing the St. Louis Area Food Bank has
provided. And yet another echo from that
silent hammer ripples through the air.
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