Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
A Florida soup kitchen is facing eviction from a church After the group said it was located where it was, its fare was doubled, while its hours of operation were also reduced.
Wildwood Soup Kitchen in Wildwood is asking for the local community’s help in finding a new location following “new terms” to its lease. Its ability to continue serving those in need was jeopardized.
“Unfortunately, we are now facing an emergency crisis that jeopardizes our ability to continue this vital mission,” the organization said. written online,
“Our lease is up for renewal under new terms: our rent has doubled, hours of access to the building have decreased, and our available space has decreased – while the demand for food continues to increase every week.”
Barbara McManus, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wildwood Soup KitchenSaid notice of despite knowing that the lease would soon expire and that the organization was expanding the space eviction It came as a shock when it came from the First Presbyterian Church of Wildwood on October 16.
“We have received a letter from our landlord saying we must move out by the end of the year otherwise we will have to pay more rent and limit the length of time we can stay in the building,” he said. WESH.
“Wildwood Soup Kitchen is run entirely by volunteers and provides over 16,000 meals to the homeless each month. Operations take 14 to 16 volunteer shifts each week to keep our kitchen running, including cooks, prep crews and support staff.
The organization’s post continued, “Thanks to their dedication and the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to serve the Wildwood community for many years from our current location.” “Hundreds of families, children and seniors rely on us every day. Without immediate assistance, we risk closing at the end of this year.”
“We need immediate assistance finding a new location in Wildwood with a large commercial kitchen ready for immediate occupancy. We do not have the time or resources to build a new facility or do major renovations.”
Independent Reached out to First Presbyterian Church of Wildwood for comment on the eviction.
McManus said that through public donations, the kitchen has already raised $100,000, although a potential location was expected to cost $1.5 million. She told WESH she hoped the church would be more flexible with the lease.
“I was hoping we could maybe wait until January, February, so we have more time,” McManus said. “December 31st is right after the holidays, and we serve a lot of people. It’s cold that time of year, and we want to make sure we provide food for people.”
can be donated to the kitchen Through its website.