God's Storehouse Roof Fund

In virtually every neighborhood in Richland County, some men, women and children go hungry or have urgent unmet needs. After a lost job, illness, death or divorce, some people don't have the resources they need to properly feed and clothe themselves. For the last 30 years, a group of churches in the Northeast area of Richland County has worked together to meet the community’s needs. The efforts of local Christians created God's Storehouse, a Columbia-area food pantry providing upwards of 50,000 meals a year to those in hunger. God's Storehouse’s clients have lived with their family in a car or in the woods. Most are lacking a job and basic healthcare and many remain in a constant state of hunger. God's Storehouse offers a simple message to those struggling to survive: “Christ loves you - and his servants in the area desire to show that love by assisting those in need.”

After many years of helping the poorest among us, God's Storehouse finds itself in need of help. Since the October 2015 floods, God's Storehouse has suffered from hundreds of small leaks in the roof. The flood exacerbated a pre-existing condition so insurance funds will not pay for repairs. There's been a cascading effect of electrical problems, flooded computers and a five-months-long fight against mold and mildew. We have to face the facts, we need a new roof but don't have the funds to pay for it. We live lean at God's Storehouse. No one is paid, everyone here is a volunteer, all food is donated from area groceries or restaurants, USDA food is purchased with small donations from the local area. Daily, we feed 25 families out of the storehouse, and provide food to area churches to feed an additional 70 families weekly. We assist about 200 families weekly at no cost except telling the recipient that Christ loves them, and we are here to demonstrate His love by serving our community. While our volunteer's main goal is to feed and clothe, all of us are scrambling for a solution to repair our roof, and fix our electrical problems.

After 30 years of helping our community, God's Storehouse now is asking the community to help keep us open. If you have an hour to donate, or a canned good you won't be using; we'd love to receive either at God's Storehouse. But if you have a dollar to spare, we'd love to receive a small donation toward our roof and wiring problems. If you read this and are in need, please drop by 1731 Risley Rd., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. -12 p.m. We'd love to meet another one of our neighbors!