The City of Hartford does not intend to close the doors on the food pantry operated out of the Grace Seventh-Day Adventist Church in the West End. Jeff Cohen reports that the City has found no zoning violation. Zoning was among the complaints issued by WECA against the food pantry. The church has operated this food pantry for years.
Josh LaPorte
If I were a member of this congregation I would feel that my relationship with WECA has ben irreparably harmed by this little fracas. Shame on WECA for involving the City before holding dialogue with the church. Shame on WECA for putting property values and exclusionary zoning ahead of community relations and care for the poor.
Aida Nunez
Kerri, when you first reported on this issus, I was enragedand took it personal.Having been homeless and in need at one point in my life I couldn’t believe that WECA which works to improve the neighborhood would oppose a church helping the community. It reminded me of”Joe the Barber” and how an act of love that had been going on for years was shut down because of the voices of a few. I thank-you for all the work that you have done. May God richly reward you and bless you for all that you have done for the poor and needy.
Richard
Great news. Let’s all keep an eye on WECA and anyone else that may try to find another way to meddle in the affairs of this church doing its mission serving the needy.
Ellen Curry
FWIW, WECA’s position with respect to the food pantry does not reflect the views of anyone that I know in the West End. We are simply appalled and embarrassed by their stance. They have brought shame on the neighborhood. Like most people, I feel only gratitude for the work that Grace church — or any church — does to feed people in need of assistance.
David Samuels
Congratulations to Grace Seventh-Day Adventist Church. As Richard said, residents must be vigilant and continue to monitor WECA’s activities. I was unsuccessful in my attempt to change WECA from the inside because I didn’t have enough support. I hope the church pursues the suggestion that they join WECA.
David Samuels
Here’s the WFSB report which was clearly biased towards WECA. No one from the church or opponents of WECA’s action were interviewed. http://www.wfsb.com/story/23412458/food-pantry-in-jeopardy-after-neighbors-complain-about-traffic
Kerri Provost
Was that the link you intended to attach? I ask because an elder from the church is interviewed in it,as are people opposed to closing the pantry.