Greater than 2,000 folks joined Johnson County commissioners, different elected officers and representatives from the OpenDoor Church to rejoice the opening of the expanded OpenDoor meals financial institution in rural Joshua on Saturday.
The much-needed warehouse addition will double the dimensions, capability and outreach capabilities of the native ministry, which has been serving Johnson and Tarrant counties for almost 30 years.
The OpenDoor Meals Financial institution offered greater than four million kilos of meals to greater than 130,000 native residents in 2022 alone, along with filling OpenDoor Meals Banks in Walnut Springs and Houston.
“We have now wanted extra cupboard space for a very long time and due to the Johnson County Commissioners and Decide Roger Harmon, that dream is now being constructed from the bottom up,” mentioned Pastor Troy Brewer. “Johnson County is such a blessed place to have elected officers who actually care about their folks and wish to serve what the Bible calls ‘the least.’ These are individuals who actually care.”
Harmon and the commissioners offered $790,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to increase the prevailing storage facility at 6601 CR 912 in Joshua. Precinct 2 Commissioner Kenny Howell mentioned it was a no brainer to make use of federal COVID aid funds to assist nonprofits, together with the OpenDoor Meals Financial institution.
“The Federal Reserve and the Division of Justice relied on particular person county commissioners to distribute funds the place they noticed match, and we determined that the organizations most affected by the shutdowns had been nonprofits,” Howell mentioned. “Sure, for-profit companies have been affected, however nonprofits have stored going throughout the pandemic. They continued to serve, whether or not it was meals, clothes, or shelter, and the OpenDoor Meals Financial institution was the most important set of trainers we had to assist folks throughout that point.
The mission is anticipated to be completed earlier than the tip of the 12 months, however the staff is hoping to complete it this summer time.
“That is so essential now that individuals are hurting,” Brewer mentioned. “Along with tending to their bodily wants, our prayer warriors are there to hope for miracles of all types whereas our groups serve with a smile. We’re so comfortable to see and serve everybody who exhibits up, with out disgrace, paperwork or proof of poverty. They can not rob us as a result of we’re giving it away and I’ve by no means met an individual who would not want meals!”
Single mom Morgan Mikesell is only one of tons of who rely on the OpenDoor meals financial institution to feed her household.
“What would I do with out this meals financial institution? Nobody provides the amount and high quality of meals that I obtain right here,” she mentioned because the ODC groups completed praying for her. “I’m right here each time there’s an outreach as a result of I’ve three ladies to deal with. They even give me sufficient meals that I can share with the neighbors who cannot come right here and I actually like coming right here. I really feel beloved and welcome.”
With rampant meals shortages, a faltering financial system, and rising inflation, OpenDoor Meals Financial institution is seeing elevated numbers of individuals in want all through Johnson County. Month-to-month outreaches start at eight am and the road for the drive-thru kinds round 5 am Those that want to serve can present up at 7:30 am to hope, go out meals and make everybody really feel welcome.
For a schedule of upcoming meals giveaways, observe OpenDoor Meals Financial institution on Fb or contact assist@opendoorexperience.com.