The Washington County Hope Center is starting work on Phase Two of its construction. It'll include a client-choice food pantry, a new roof and other upgrades totaling $1.2 million. The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints is a major donor to the project. The Salvation Army's Pathway of Hope Center focuses on breaking generational poverty and assisting people with mental, spiritual, and physical needs.
The Church of Jesus Christ is providing a significant grant for the renovation project, which includes a walk-in freezer and refrigerator, pantry equipment, and expansion of the Pathway of Hope program. The Church of Jesus Christ is particularly supportive the Pathway of Hope program because it focuses on breaking generational poverty; it addresses all three sides of human need – mental, spiritual and physical; and it helps breaks barriers related to challenges with unstable housing and job insecurity.
Adam Harvey, Programs Director of WCHC, said the need for the client-choice food pantry is greater than ever. For example, about 200 families were served at the center in 2022. The center is now serving 500 to 600 families per month – a 200 percent increase in need.
“The Salvation Army continues to be committed to serving families and individuals who are most vulnerable, helping them develop self-reliance and a more secure future,” Harvey noted. “The media tour on June 9th represents a significant step towards combating hunger and need in Washington County.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been a long-time supporter of The Salvation Army and the Washington County HOPE Center. Last fall, The Church of Jesus Christ donated 30,000 pounds of food to the center and it continues to support WCHC and other Salvation Army efforts by mobilizing volunteers through JustServe.org.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to support The Salvation Army’s efforts in Washington County, especially through the expansion of the Pathway of Hope program and the renovation of their facilities,” remarked President Blake Bennett, Hillsboro, Oregon Stake President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Our faith inspires us to help individuals and families break the cycle of generational poverty by addressing mental, spiritual, and physical needs. We hope this grant will help remove barriers and offer families a stronger foundation and renewed hope for the future."
The WCHC has contracted with CIDA Architectural to design the state-of-the-art pantry that is equipped to grow with the increasing number of people experiencing food insecurity in Washington County.
Other services at WCHC include a new Mobile Food Pantry, Pathway of Hope program to help break the cycle of generational poverty and provide a pathway to self-sufficiency, and more. The HOPE Center’s mission is to meet the basic human and spiritual needs of our neighbors in Washington County.