Traverse City Record-Eagle

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August 29, 2008

Food pantry may open emergency shelter

Founder cites growing need in Mancelona

By SHERI McWHIRTER

MANCELONA -- A local food pantry will try to find grant funding for a new emergency homeless shelter after seeing a burgeoning need.

"There's a lot of people who don't have a place and I have to send them to Traverse City or to Gaylord to the homeless shelters," said Donna Cryderman, founder and co-director of the Community Lighthouse Food Pantry in Mancelona.

The nonprofit pantry was launched 15 years ago, when about 75 families per month received assistance. Now, roughly 350 families ask the pantry for help every month, she said.

Those who seek assistance often don't have a proper home in which to live, instead residing in camper trailers or their vehicles. Plus there are emergency situations, when having a roof to sleep under isn't always possible.

"There's no place in town for anybody as an emergency shelter, in case of a fire or something," said Teresa Mizgala of Mancelona, president of the pantry's board.

Mizgala remembers a local family who lost their home to a fire last year. They moved into a camper trailer because they were without insurance and family support in the area, she said.

"Then the snow came and they couldn't get out," Mizgala said.

That family eventually did find a new place to live, she said.

But it's in such situations the operators of the food pantry believe they can provide temporary assistance while families get back on their feet, Mizgala said.

The pantry's board intends to seek about $225,000 in federal or corporate grants to buy the building they moved into several months ago, as well as refurbish a downstairs four-room apartment for use as an emergency homeless shelter. The apartment currently is rented, but will be vacant at the end of September.

"When we saw the space in the apartment, we could just use it for storage space. But why do that when we can find another way to help people?" Mizgala said.

The pantry operates a thrift shop with donated clothing, housewares, furniture and other items, and uses the proceeds to buy food for clients. The operation is located in an old laundromat at 430 W. State St.

Those in need of help can call the pantry at (231) 587-9967.

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