PEORIA (HOI) -- A few weeks ago the Porch Pantry of Peoria was ready to shut its doors after security cameras were stolen from its front steps. But now, it has received not-for-profit status, a key step in keeping the doors open.
"That's what we do it for. I was homeless 10 years ago," said VP of the Porch Pantry, Charles Martin.
Martin said weeks ago he needed a sign, something to show them they should keep going.
Tuesday, he said this was their sign to keep helping people in the community.
"It gives me a warm feeling that ya know we started with this little idea and that little idea has grown and grown and grown into what it is now," said Martin.
With not-for-profit status the pantry will be able to apply for grants, but Martin said they will still rely on the communities help for resources.
"That way we can start helping more people. Right now we're helping people, but we're not helping them to the extent they like to," said Martin.
What started as just providing food, turned into clothing, hygiene products and now cell phones for people who qualify.
Wireless assurance is a part of the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit Program and they set up a booth outside the pantry.
"There are a lot of people that do need phones and it's completely free," said AB Marketing Employee, Sean Welch.
As the pantry expands, Martin wants to see other people follow their lead in giving back.
"All we did was take food we weren't reaching for, we weren't eating and put it out on the porch and it grew from there," said Martin.
Next, Martin said they were looking at permanent locations for the pantry, which currently operates on the front porch of his home.
"Set it up to where you can have a food pantry, clothing pantry, a place for like a washer and dryer and then put, have showers available for people ya know that don't have access to showers," said Martin.
They were also able to replace the stolen cameras.
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July 21, 2021 at 09:35AM
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UPDATE: Porch Pantry to stay open after receiving not-for-profit status - HOI ABC
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