Broderick House helps those in need, but needs help to do so

Date: 7/7/2009

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent



HOLYOKE -- Despite the scaffolding and dust, St. Jude's Clothing Center is open for business.

On a recent Thursday afternoon, there were area residents already knocking on the hatchway at 12:30 p.m., eager to find the latest bargains in the basement of the 120-year-old Broderick House on Hamilton Street run by Providence Ministries for the Needy (PMN).

The Broderick House is currently experiencing a rebirth as renovations continue to be made to its infrastructure. In the coming months, the Broderick House will reopen as an SRO (single room occupancy) housing opportunity for single, low-income men and women. The safe, sober living environment helps people long-term, according to Karen Blanchard, administrator, PMN.

Blanchard noted that the renovations would not have been possible without community support, including that of TD Banknorth, the Community Foundation, the Davis Foundation, PeoplesBank, the Agnes Lindsay Trust, Foundation M, Amelia Peabody and MassHousing. Blanchard said she is hopeful that the renovations, totaling close to $400,000, will be completed by the end of the summer.

"It's a goal but it's not set in stone," she said during a tour of the Broderick House and St. Jude's Clothing Center. "We are extremely grateful for all our donations as we wouldn't be able to do things without our supporters."

While daily renovations continue at the Broderick House, the St. Jude's Clothing Center in the basement continues to operate but donations are needed. A new promotion, "discount reward cards," begins this month for shoppers. Blanchard explained that shoppers spending at least $10 in the store will receive a stamp and once a customer collects 10 stamps, they will receive $10 off on their next visit.

During the tour, Brenda Lamagdeleine, manager of Margaret's Pantry and the St. Jude's Clothing Center, noted that seasonal clothing for all ages is especially needed at this time, as well as general housewares, sheets, towels, curtains, toys, dolls and baby furniture.

"We are desperate for those types of items," she said.

Store hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Donations can be dropped off at Margaret's Pantry weekdays on Hamilton Street.

Lamagdeleine also noted that while Margaret's Pantry received donations from the recent U.S. Postal Service food collection, the pantry shelves continue to be depleted due to the increase in requests for food.

In May, Margaret's Pantry served 115 families and 381 individuals, an increase of 21 percent in families and 23 percent in individuals from the same period a year ago.

"We are seeing more middle class families seeking food," said Lamagdeleine, noting that family sizes she assists range from two to 15.

For individuals or organizations who wish to make a donation, canned meats, macaroni and cheese, meals in a can and cookies and muffin mixes are currently sought.

"The local churches support us and are phenomenal givers," Lamagdeleine said, noting it is their support in particular that ensures the ability for year-round giving.

Kate's Kitchen, also a member of PMN, is sponsoring its summer breakfast program from 8 to 9 a.m. weekdays for children ages two to 18 now through Aug. 29. Blanchard noted that the breakfast program is specifically for children and not adults since a lunch-time meal is provided for all ages at Kate's Kitchen.

For more information on any of PMN's programs, call 536-9109.