BY C.J. CARNACCHIO
Oxford Leader Editor
Oxford/Orion FISH is looking for a new home.
The local charity, which provides emergency food and financial support to low-income familiesiand individuals, is searching for at least 3,000 square feet to house its food pantry and a future resale shop.
FISH’s food pantry is currently housed in a basement level room at Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ.
Kathy Aubin, president of FISH, said more pantry space is needed as the number of the group’s food clients is constantly growing.
From January to December 2003, FISH provided food to 843 households (which translated into 35,650 meals for 2,262 people). This year FISH has provided food for 845 households as of Oct. 18.
In 2003, the pantry’s two busiest months each saw 81 households served. In 2004, the slowest months have seen 61 and 86 households served, while the two busiest months so far saw 102 and 107 households served. Another two months this year have seen 92 and 98 households served emergency food.
Of the at least 3,000 square feet FISH is seeking, about 1,000 of it would be for a new pantry, according to Monprode.
The remaining 2,000 square feet would be used for a resale shop, something FISH Secretary Margaret Monprode said the Oxford/Orion area currently lacks, but definitely needs.
Monprode said people want some place local at which they can donate their unwanted items such as clothing, household items, toys, etc.
She said right now area residents wishing to donate items have no choice but to drive to the Salvation Army’s thrift stores in Pontiac, Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills or to St. Vincent DePaul in Pontiac.
‘There’s no place local,? Monprode said.
A resale shop will not only give area residents some place local to donate and shop, it will also give FISH a ‘revenue stream outside of donations,? she said.
Resale is big business, according to Monprode, who said the average church rummage sale brings in between $2,000 and $4,000 in a weekend.
If more than 3,000 square feet can be obtained, Aubin said FISH would like to store its furniture and appliance donations in the same building as the pantry and resale shop. Currently, FISH utilizes three donated storage units at Oxford’s Stor-N-Lock to hold these items.
FISH has been looking for a building since February 2004. Group representatives said they can afford approximately $2,000 per month, which includes rent, utilitiesiand maintenance.
Monprode said it’s been difficult finding something both suitable and affordable.
‘With the growth spurt Oxford and Lake Orion are having, there is not a lot of vacant commercial property in our price range,? she said.
Anyone with information concerning available rental space is encouraged to call FISH at (248) 693-0638.