The Guild of St. Margaret Soup Kitchen

The Guild of St. Margaret Soup Kitchen is an outreach program of Grace Episcopal Church, located in downtown Middletown, New York. The Guild serves lunch 365 days a year to anyone who needs it. The Soup Kitchen is averaging 100 to 130 meals daily. There are over 165 volunteers who prepare and serve the meals. The kitchen first opened its doors in the summer of 1980. Beginning with only a few people, volunteers prepared peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for those who came seeking help. At first the lobby of the Parish House was sufficient space, but the need increased and before long, the Soup Kitchen moved to its present location in the parish hall.

The daily meals are provided by regularly scheduled volunteers from all over the community. All funds for food are raised from outside the parish budget. Resources have been provided by the United Way, other churches, fraternal organizations, grants, and inividuals within the community. Contributions go directly to meet the immediate needs of the poor and hungry.

Saint Margaret of Scotland, for whom the guild is named, is remembered for personally feeding and caring for the poor, as well as encouraging others to follow her example. Though a queen, she cared for those who seemed to be beyond compassion. The members of the guild frequently assist guests at the Soup Kitchen with referral for services, offering advice, a warm shoulder, or often, just a friendly ear.

The Soup Kitchen is open Sundays from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and Monday - Saturday from 11:00 am - noon.

Please help us help the people going hungry in our community by giving for the support of body and soul. To make a tax-deductible contribution or obtain information about volunteering, contact: The Guild of St. Margaret - 344-0569.

Virginia Orgonista - Director
Katherine Babcock - Assistant
Diane Storm - Food Service Coordinator
Peggy Fellows - Newsletter Editor "Food For Thought"

Address: 12 Depot Street, Middletown, NY 10940
Phone: (845) 344-0569
Fax: (845) 343-8321
E-Mail: soupkitchengrace@msn.com

R.E.N.T. Program (Relief from Eviction for Needy Tenants)

The Primary purpose of the R.E.N.T program is to prevent homelessness by helping moderate and low
income tenants in the community who are facing imminent eviction. R.E.N.T. assists persons who are
residents of the Middletown School District and who are ineligible for other public assistance programs.

To achieve this end, R.E.N.T. will:

• Act as a referral agency to direct the needy to established Federal, State, County and other
  agencies that can help;
  
  
• Provide referrals to legal representation and guidance in eviction proceeding;
  
  
• Seek alternative ways to solve disputes with landlords;
  
  
• Provide education and guidance in household maintenance and budgeting;
  
  
• Supply monetary aid in the form of an interest-free loan, when appropriate

In today's social and economic climate, we are all vulnerable; recent studies have shown that currently,
most Americans are but a few paychecks from homelessness. We are living in hard times. People are losing their homes every day; it can happen all too easily. One unexpected expense, like a medical bill or a major car repair can mean not having enough money for the rent. The R.E.N.T. program has been operating since October 1990.

For more information, call 343-RENT.

House Pins by Lucinda-

The R.E.N.T Program is selling House Pins by Lucinda to raise money to prevent homelessness by assisting families who are facing imminent eviction. The story behind the House Pins is that no two pins are alike. Besides owning an individualy designed and handcrafted piece of wearable art, you are contributing towards solving the needs of people without housing. The cost of a House Pin is $13.00 and can be purchased in the R.E.N.T. Office or by calling 343-RENT.

Updated March 17, 2006

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