Pam Foster and Liz Austin’s generosity enabled the Kingston Food Bank to move into a permanent location. Their generosity will, each week, positively affect the lives of at least 50 families who depend on a hand up from the food bank and its volunteers.
Their generosity reminds us of the impact we have on the lives of others. It also reminds us why it’s important that we have each other’s backs.
The economy is still in recovery, and many of our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet. As many of us know, all it takes is an unforeseen circumstance to turn our fortunes into dust. We are all vulnerable. When we have each other’s backs, we build a safety net and make each other stronger.
Right now, there is little reason for someone in our community to be hungry, to be without a safe place to sleep when it’s freezing outside, to be without encouragement and compassion. Let others know about these local resources. And give when you can, whatever you can, to help keep a good thing going.
Emergency shelter
Kitsap County severe-weather shelter, Bremerton Foodline, 1600 12th St., Bremerton. Open at 6 p.m. any evening when temperatures are forecast to drop to freezing. If you need bus tokens so you can get to the shelter, contact North Kitsap Fishline, 18916 3rd Ave. NE, Poulsbo, 360-779-5190; ShareNet, 26061 United Road (off Highway 104), Kingston, 360-297-2266; Helpline House, 282 Knechtel Way NE, Bainbridge Island, 206-842-7621.
Food
Kingston Food Bank, 26102 Illinois Ave., Kingston (the two-story house next to the Sheriff’s Department). The food bank is open Wednesdays and Fridays, noon to 3 p.m. Call 360-297-4861 and 360-297-7100.
ShareNet Food Bank, 26061 United Road (off Highway 104), Kingston. The food bank is open Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 360-297-2266.
Kingston Community Meal, 5 p.m., the last Friday of the month, at Bayside Community Church in Kingston.
Meals on Wheels (formerly Chuckwagon), available to all Kitsap County residents age 60 and older. Call 360-377-8511 or 888-877-8511.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides low-income seniors 60 and older with vouchers to purchase fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from authorized farmers’ markets from July through October. Call 360-377-8511 or 888-877-8511.
Emergency assistance
ShareNet Food Bank, 26061 United Road (off Highway 104), Kingston. Call 360-297-2266. ShareNet provides emergency food provisions, help keeping utilities from being shut off, and assistance to those threatened with eviction.
Job referrals and assistance
Sound Works Job Center, 360-779-1160, works with employers and job candidates to help them land a job. Among other services, Sound Works offers resume and interview technique assistance, help networking, and direct contacts with local employers. If you need help getting to Sound Works, contact North Kitsap Fishline, 18916 3rd Ave. NE, Poulsbo, 360-779-5190; and or ShareNet, 26061 United Road (off Highway 104), Kingston, 360-297-2266.
