On Jan. 31, the Fund for Bogalusa awarded a $5,000 grant to the Bogalusa Help Center to support the building of a new superstructure and metal roof on their facility.

Bogalusa Help Center:

History: In 1985, 14 churches representing a complete cross-section of the Bogalusa community joined forces and organized the Bogalusa Help Center. Ever since, the center has continuously provided basic, staple, quality food items once per month to qualifying households based on the number of persons and household income. The center remains funded primarily by local support, staffed by local volunteers, and supporting local businesses with our food purchases.

Current Service to Community: The Bogalusa Help Center currently serves about 400 households and about 600 persons in the immediate Bogalusa area each month, with families of 3 or more receiving double portions. However, with median income in the city being only $24,600, 38 percent (1,750 households) live below the poverty level. Thanks to our volunteers (who donate a total of 600 man-hours each month) 97 cents of every $1 donated gets converted to food for those in need or to meet our facility costs and each $1 is stretched via our tax free and low-cost purchasing capabilities and donated foods.

Capital Improvement Needs: Bogalusa Help Center has been in its current location since 2003. Phase One of our new capital improvement program will replace the failing roof and which allows the spending of more money on food instead of repairs for coming years. Phase I of the project is already more than 50 percent funded. Phase II, once funded, will add a long-needed drive-thru delivery service with awnings/coverings to protect both clients and volunteers from hazardous, slippery sidewalks and floors during foul weather.

What can you do? Volunteer your time assisting with creating and/or handing out the food boxes each Wednesday or give to support the capital improvements for the facility.

The Fund for Bogalusa is a fund of the Northshore Community Foundation (NCF). The mission of the NCF is to unite human and financial resources to enhance the quality of life in the Northshore region. The NCF serves the entire Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain, including St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington and St. Tammany parishes and is headquartered in Northshare, our nonprofit co-working campus located in downtown Covington, which serves as a civic hub for our community.