REDFORD, Mich. – Redford Interfaith Relief has served its community for nearly 30 years, but an aging HVAC system — estimated to be about 80 years old — is now threatening the organization’s ability to stay open when temperatures drop this winter.
The pantry serves roughly 500 families every month, providing everything from groceries to clothing.
Without a functioning heating system, volunteers and the food supply itself could be at serious risk.
“I can’t not do this. There are too many people that depend on us,” said Sarah Goad, team director at Redford Interfaith Relief.
The need is wide-ranging.
Goad said the pantry supports a diverse group of community members.
“Anybody from single moms with multiple kids to senior citizens living on their own,” Goad said.
With cooler weather approaching, a failing HVAC system would leave the building with little to no heat — a dangerous situation for both volunteers and pantry supplies.
“90% of our volunteer force is over 70 years old. I can’t ask them to work here when it’s 25, 30 degrees. Never mind the fact that these cans will bust and the bottles will freeze,” Goad said.
A temporary fix that can’t last
The pantry’s boiler failed earlier this year as winter was coming to an end.
Staff and volunteers managed to get through by bundling up and relying on space heaters — but leadership knows that’s not a sustainable solution heading into another cold season.
To address the problem long-term, Redford Interfaith Relief is working to raise $110,000 to replace the system entirely.
Matching grant offers a boost
To help reach that goal, the Margaret Dunning Foundation has stepped in with a matching grant opportunity.
“If we get $25,000, they’ll give us $25,000.
They’ll match up to 45," Goad explained. “So, we have to raise 65 to their 45.”
Dozens of donors have already come forward, giving the organization reason for optimism — though a significant gap remains.
“I know it’s an amazingly huge amount of money to consider putting in, but we’re worth it. What we do here is worth it,” Goad said.
Those who wish to donate or learn more can visit redfordinterfaithrelief.org.