Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network Purchases New Property, Looks to Expand Services

The Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network (PVEN), a food and clothing pantry serving residents of Chestnuthill, Eldred, Hamilton, Jackson, Polk, and Ross townships since 1990, has purchased property at 2334 Route 209, Sciota, in order to expand their food and clothing distribution to better meet the needs of the community it serves.

PVEN currently operates out of a 3,150 square foot building, with only 11 parking spaces. The new location offers approximately 18,500 square feet overall, with approximately 3,150 sq. feet solely for the food pantry, 2,100 sq. feet for the clothing closet and 2,000 square feet for office/storage space. The remaining space will be used by existing renters. The new facility also has approximately 60 parking spaces and the electrical capacity for commercial refrigeration. The location, right along Route 209, makes it convenient for clients.

“This purchase has been a long time coming. After intense research into many West End opportunities, this short-sale purchase provided the best value and flexibility for PVEN’s needs now and in the future,” stated PVEN Board of Directors Treasurer and New Property Chairperson, Tom Campbell. “Without ESSA Foundation’s initial $75,000 grant, we would not have had the funding (or confidence) to take this bold step.  While we still have a lot of fundraising to do to cover the remainder of the purchase price, we are very thankful to ESSA for setting us on the path to making all of this possible.”

Interim purchase financing was provided by First Northern Bank and Trust. An additional $550,000 in funding is needed to pay for the building and complete the upgrades. PVEN continues to fundraise and seek grants to help with the expense.

“It’s a huge undertaking,” said Hope Christman Smith, Director of Services. “A recent United Way of Monroe County Community Report indicated that 12% of our county’s population has experienced food insecurity, meaning that families may not know how they are going to put a meal on the table, and pay the bills, and put gas in the car to go to work. Living up to our mission to assist families in crisis to maintain a minimal standard of living, while encouraging independence and self-sufficiency; this is an undertaking we cannot deny.”

And with a new facility comes a new potential. The vision is for the new PVEN facility to be a hub for social services within the West End Community, offering space to various non-profit and service agencies.

“Remodeling and construction will likely occur over the summer of 2017, with PVEN moving into the buildings for live operations in early fall. Professionals who can provide help with plumbing, electrical, framing, and HVAC services are desperately needed as soon as possible.  If you want to help us with this transformation, please contact the PVEN office and leave a message for Tom,” Campbell added.

If you would like to be part of this initiative, please call PVEN at 570-992-3136 or email pven@ptd.net.