The Community Nest project

“The Community Nest project is a small, new program, but we hope to change that,” said Rita Fisher, office manager for Harcatus Home Energy Assistance and Family Support Center in New Philadelphia. “Through the Community Nest project, we assist those on food stamps by providing them with supplies not covered by them, such as toilet paper, diapers and cleaning supplies.”

The Community Nest project officially started in November of 2009, with the first push for donations made during the Make a Difference Day program.

“We started thinking about a program like this two years ago. There are many people who know where the food banks are, which sometimes carry these supplies. These are supplies that can’t be purchased with food stamps, but sometimes families might not be able to afford on their own. Before starting the project, there was a lot of research and discussions as to what products we should offer and how to distribute them, general questions that many programs such as this ask when starting.”

Since starting in November, more than 100 families have received support. The Community Nest is located at 140 W. High Ave. in New Philadelphia, at the Harcatus Home Energy Assistance and Family Support Center, and is open two days-a-week, with services every Tuesday, from 1-4 p.m., and Thursday, from 9-11 a.m.

“Those who are already taking part in a program through Harcatus are already approved for the Community Nest. Families are eligible once every 30 days for assistance through the nest. We welcome new members, either through appointments or walk-ins. We can help you figure out if you qualify for one of the projects, such as HEAP, which will qualify you to take part in the Community Nest project,” Fisher said.

“We want the nest to be more a support until other arrangements are made to procure these items, be it receiving a paycheck or assistance check, or other means; we don’t want it to become a crutch. With food stamps and the products offered here, pretty much all the bases for families are covered,” Fisher added.

“Many of the products are donated, either through churches, non-profits, businesses or personal donations. So far we’ve had a couple of churches take up the Community Nest as a project and worked with a major company to provide us with donations as well. It’s truly a community effort.”