Office manager Beth Schewe at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship says, the Welcome Essentials Pantry began in the summer of 2014, when members of the church raised awareness about household needs. She says members of the community have experienced financial hardships. They said they were unable to keep basic household items in their homes, so they began collecting items to help the community with this problem. Schewe said, "toiletries, paper towels and cleaning supplies, things like that, that weren't covered by the assistance and that the food pantries usually weren't able to give out."
They started partnering with a few other churches who have begun collecting items for their home essentials pantry-- including Westminster Presbyterian Church and First Congregational Church in DeKalb.
She says, "about once a month we've been hosting a pantry. We provide these items-- everything from toilet paper and paper towels to shaving cream and deodorant, dish soap and even diapers."
They also partner with a local organization called the Welcome Cafe and Community Kitchen, which hosts a brunch once a month at UUC. The next brunch will be January 30th.