MassDevelopment.com: Press Room: Loaves and Fishes Breaks Ground For Permanent Devens Home

Loaves and Fishes Breaks Ground For Permanent Devens Home
November 9, 2005

Contacts:
Judy Grande, Loaves & Fishes, 978-486-1090
Adam Bickelman, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086

Loaves & Fishes officials today joined MassDevelopment President/CEO Robert L. Culver to break ground for the organization's permanent home at Devens. Last December, the group purchased a former gymnasium building on Barnum Road from MassDevelopment for one dollar.

Since that time, the trustees of Loaves & Fishes have undertaken an aggressive capital campaign in an effort to raise over $1.25 million needed to renovate the building into the region's largest food pantry and create an operating trust fund. Site preparation began in early October, and construction is scheduled to start by November 15. Loaves & Fishes estimates its new facility will be fully operational by February 2006.

"On behalf of the staff, board and trustees of Loaves & Fishes, I'd like to wholeheartedly thank everyone involved in finding and funding our permanent home," said Judy Grande of Littleton, Loaves & Fishes trustee. "Many private individuals and organizations stepped forward to support this project, including two donors whose gifts are contingent on us meeting our fundraising goals. Hopefully our groundbreaking celebration will help spread the good news that we've come very far, but we're not quite there yet."

In addition to an anonymous $600,000 matching challenge grant, another regional donor will contribute $150,000 if the organization can raise $550,000 for the project by the end of this year. A number of regional groups have donated time and expertise to support the project including The New England Regional Council of Carpenters, J.M. Coull design firm, Attorney Chris Lilly, Goldsmith, Ringwall & Priest Engineering and the Devens Enterprise Commission. Loaves & Fishes officials estimate they need to raise an additional $60,000 by December 31 to meet this goal.

"This is an exciting day for everyone involved in the Devens redevelopment effort," said Culver. "When we moved to Devens Common, we knew Loaves & Fishes needed a permanent home that was centrally located. So we put our heads together and found a building. Loaves & Fishes will continue to be part of the Devens Community helping area families who are in need for decades to come."

When finished, Loaves & Fishes new facility will feature a large waiting area, improved food storage area, walk-in freezer/refrigerator, private offices for the client advocate and stewards, and easy, one-floor access for our clients (fully handicapped-accessible).

"On behalf of the legislative delegation, I'd like to congratulate Loaves & Fishes on this important milestone, and thank them for their dedication to the people of north central Massachusetts," said State Senator Pamela Resor. "The level of community support for this project is a testament to Loaves & Fishes positive impact, and attention to the needs of families in our region."

In FY'03 Loaves & Fishes provided food assistance to over 350 families each month, representing 11,601 individuals. This year, Loaves & Fishes is already providing food assistance to 400 families each month, and expects to provide rental and utility assistance to at least 80 households and at least 100 nights of emergency shelter.

MassDevelopment, the state's finance and development authority, works with businesses, financial institutions and local officials to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. In fiscal year 2005, MassDevelopment financed or managed 158 projects statewide representing an investment of nearly $1.9 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are supporting the creation of 2,769 housing units and more than 9,800 jobs: 4702 permanent and 5,100 in construction.