FAITHWORKS with our
MINISTRY PARTNERS
ONE ROOF COMMUNITY CENTRE -
PETERBOROUGH
(A Ministry of St. John's Anglican Church)
oneroofptbo.ca
One Roof Community Centre continues to serve the needs of Peterborough's most vulnerable residents during the pandemic.
Although the Centre has been closed to visitors since mid-March, the meal program continues. Every day, rain or shine, a nutritious meal-to-go is served at 1:00 p.m. from just outside the door. Guests are asked to line up in the parking lot and along the sidewalk observing physical distancing. As they approach the serving table in a temporary shelter, they are handed a meal to eat at that time. They are reminded that when everyone has been served, guests may come back for a second meal to take home for later, or to give to someone else
Two months ago, One Roof was serving about 60 people and 100 meals per day. That number has risen to 80 people and 120 meals daily. We observe that the growth is primarily in new guests: people we haven't seen before. When we ask them about their situation they tell us that the ongoing pandemic has put them in a precarious financial situation. People who never had to worry about where their next meal was coming from are now standing in line at One Roof for food.
In addition to the meal, the staff and volunteers provide access to hygiene, health, and food products from our cupboards through physically-distanced interactions with guests.
We are able to meet the need for meals for every guest who comes to One Roof Community Centre because of the amazing generosity of our local community and FaithWorks supporters. They have risen to the challenge to help us adapt to the changing circumstances of COVID-19 and have made it possible for us to continue this ministry of hospitality and meal provision. Without our donors, our ability to meet the growing need would be compromised. We are grateful for the generous support of people who help us make sure no one goes hungry.
Rev. Canon Brad Smith
Rector, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, Peterborough
He/Him/His
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