The INN opens new center to expand services for Long Islanders facing hunger and homelessness
Transformed Hempstead warehouse will provide food, clothing, showers and social services all in one location.
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A former warehouse in Hempstead has been transformed into a new resource center that will provide free food, household items, clothing and other support for people who cannot afford them.
The new building is becoming part of the Interfaith Nutrition Network’s Madison Avenue campus in Hempstead.
The goal of the center is to serve Long Islanders facing hunger and homelessness by offering a range of services under one roof.
Guests will be able to access food, clothing, warm showers, social services and other resources at the facility.
“I want them to know that there is a safe place where you are respected, where you are loved, where you are given the dignity as a human being to know that someone cares about you this much,” said Dana Lopez, director of marketing and communications at The INN.
The Interfaith Nutrition Network, known as The INN, has served millions of meals since opening as a soup kitchen in 1983.
Organization leaders say the goal of The INN is to go out of business.
“We want to not be needed anymore,” said executive director Jean Kelly. “But you have to have everything someone needs all in one spot in order to give them the chance to turn their life around and get on their feet and walk away.”
The center is scheduled to open to guests in November, just in time for the holiday season.
“They're going to be surprised and hopefully inspired to think differently about their own future,” said Kelly. “Because it's all about showing someone dignity. But you have to also show unconditional love, and that love is what will maybe turn their mind in a different direction about what's hopeful and what's possible for them.”
