Startup
Starting as a soup kitchen...
In 2012 we began by handing out soup and sandwiches on Main Street, then moved into a vacant switchboard building loaned by the telephone authority. Without running water, we cooked at home and brought meals to the building. Homeless people came first, and were joined by elders for highly sociable lunches--up to 75 people three times weekly.
We faced a crisis...
In early 2015, during a period of frigid weather, a tribal member froze to death after being turned away from shelters because he had been drinking. We opened our doors so others could sleep safely. That practice was quickly halted by the building owner for liability reasons. We decided to seek a place where we could control the door. In December, we acquired 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in anticipation of acquiring property.
And did something about it.
In early 2016 we bought two residential lots, one with a dilapidated 100-year-old house, and borrowed money for materials. Volunteer groups began arriving in late spring. In a community where most projects are government funded, and announced long before they happen, if they ever happen, all were astounded when ours burst into reality without government assistance or prior notice.
