In an effort to prevent a lapse in services to the Auburn Gresham community, St. Sabina Church has taken assertive steps to reopen a crucial food pantry previously operated by Catholic Charities. After a brief period of renovations and reorganization, the pantry at 1120 W. 79th St. is set to welcome residents back on Tuesday, according to an announcement from the church's senior pastor, the Rev. Michael Pfleger. The effort to restore the pantry comes after Catholic Charities had to shutter several of their pantries, including the one in question, due to mounting operational costs, Block Club Chicago reported.
Once again opening its doors, patrons will find the pantry not just as a source of sustenance but as a place offering clothing and a plethora of related social services such as counseling and case management. By closely working with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the pantry is set to provide free fresh produce and other food staples. “We needed to step in and take it over ourselves,” Pfleger told the Chicago Sun-Times, emphasizing the essential nature of the services previously provided to nearly 900 people per month.
The swift action by St. Sabina Church to reopen the food pantry represents a proactive approach to address a significant community need, filling the void created by the original pantry’s closure on September 30th. In a statement obtained by Block Club Chicago, Pfleger said, "We didn’t want to see it close and have people referred to another place in the community." The church has taken on the financial responsibility for maintaining the pantry, including covering rent, staff salaries, and utilities. While acknowledging the financial challenges ahead, Pfleger maintained an optimistic outlook, saying, "We’re walking out in faith and reaching out to get the support to continue it."
The renewed St. Sabina Social Service Center aims to respect and empower its beneficiaries by providing a grocery shopping experience reminiscent of mainstream supermarkets. "They’re going to feel like they’re walking into a Mariano’s or Jewel," Pfleger told Block Club Chicago, highlighting the dignity infused into the pantry's new operation model. The church's senior pastor underscored the pantry's immediate need for support to expand and sustain the expanded services they envision for the future. Pfleger's dedication to the project is evidenced as he stated to the Chicago Sun-Times, "We’re going to be there for the long term, but we’re going to need support so we can serve as many people as possible," underscoring the necessity for community and donor involvement.
The St. Sabina Social Service Center will maintain operating hours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
