South Kitsap Helpline has secured a new building to expand its food programs and services in response to growing community demand.

After years of attempting to build on its existing property, the nonprofit organization shifted its focus to purchasing a commercial building that will house its food bank, kitchen, and administrative offices. The new facility, located near Mitchell Avenue, was previously a restaurant and offers approximately the same square footage the organization originally planned to build.

“We had been trying to build on our property for about four years, but due to a number of challenges, we decided to recalibrate,” said Jennifer Hardison, executive director of SK Helpline. “We started looking at commercial properties, and when we found the restaurant, it was the perfect fit.”

Funding for the purchase came through a legislative appropriation from U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. Initially, the funding was earmarked for construction on the nonprofit’s existing property. However, due to changes in plans, Murray’s team allowed the organization to redirect the funds toward acquiring the commercial building.

“There were several moments when we weren’t sure if we’d be able to purchase the building,” Hardison explained, recalling the challenges of the competitive bidding process. “At one point, we thought we had lost it, but in the end, we secured the building, and it’s going to be a game-changer for our community and clients.”

The new location provides a significant increase in space compared to the organization’s current site, which has long been operating at capacity. The food bank’s current facility is small, cramped, and has limited parking—making it difficult to serve the growing number of clients, per Hardison.

“We’ve outgrown our space. Our food bank is about the size of a large walk-in closet,” Hardison said. “We’ve historically served more people than any other agency in the area with this tiny space.”

The new building will allow the food bank to triple its current size, providing more room for clients to shop for groceries and improving the overall food distribution experience. It will also include a commercial kitchen, which will allow the nonprofit to process bulk items—such as overripe produce—into usable food products for distribution.

“We get a lot of bulk items that clients can’t take because they don’t have the ability to cook, so we’ll be able to process them into more usable forms,” Hardison explained. “The kitchen will also support a hot meal program, which will be a great addition to help those in need.” Over time, the nonprofit also plans to open a community café.

In addition to the kitchen, the building has a large community room that was formerly a bar. The space will be used for events like community resource fairs, health programs, and other client services. “We want to make it a one-stop shop where people can access services beyond just food,” Hardison said. “There’s so much more to providing for people in need. This space will allow us to offer critical services that are harder to access right now.”

As part of the expansion, Helpline also plans to renovate its current facility to create more space for food storage. The nonprofit decided that instead of constructing a new building on its existing property, it would focus on renovating to avoid triggering expensive stormwater requirements. The additional storage space will allow the nonprofit to store more food for other local programs and soup kitchens. Furthermore, plans are in place to rebuild the organization’s greenhouse and gardens.

A second legislative appropriation from U.S. Rep. Emily Randall and state Rep. Michelle Caldier of the 26th District is also helping fund renovations at the new building, including replacing the HVAC system and purchasing kitchen equipment. Harrison noted that they are in the process of replacing equipment that was damaged midway through negotiations, adding to the complexity of the transition.

“We’re very excited for all that’s to come,” Hardison said. “This has been a long and difficult journey, but it’s all coming together. We’re so thankful for all the community support, especially from our legislators and the Star Group, who have helped us navigate all of the challenges in this process.”

The nonprofit expects to move into the new facility within the next few months. The new location, which features 60 parking spots and multiple entrances, will help alleviate traffic congestion at its current site. “We’ve seen between 80 and 100 households in just five hours, and we know that the need is only growing,” Hardison said. “This move is a positive step forward for the entire community. We want everyone to know that we’re here for them, no matter who they are or their circumstances.”

Hardison expressed hope that the new building will serve as a beacon of positivity for people in need.

“Food banks shouldn’t be a shameful experience. We want people to come here and feel like they’re just at a grocery store. We want them to leave with dignity and everything they need,” she added.