PEABODY — Citizens Inn is extending and expanding its Path to Opportunity campaign.
Citizens Inn Executive Director Carolina Trujillo said the campaign reached its target in record timing this past summer, opening up an opportunity for Citizens to enlarge the patio area with additional personalized bricks, granite pavers and benches. The expansion also promises to ensure safety and inclusivity for patrons as they enter the building.
Trujillo said a huge added benefit to the expanded project will be to eliminate occasional puddling in the area following heavy rain.
“Yes, it will beautify the space, but it will also help in a functional way because oftentimes people who are standing in line have to stand in rain puddles so this new space will really help address the puddling problem in an effective way,” she said. “So not only is this opportunity a chance for people to be immortalized and support a great cause, it will also fix a safety issue with the driveway. Our new building is beautiful and we want to be able to do all that we can to preserve it and keep things safe for everyone.”
The project, which is scheduled to begin in April 2023 will significantly enlarge the original plan that called for 10 pavers and 150 bricks. An additional 300 4”x8” bricks are now available at a cost of $250 each. Bricks can be personalized with up to three lines (15 characters per line) of text.
An additional 20 exclusive 12”x12” granite pavers are available at a cost of $1000 each. The pavers can be personalized with up to five lines (15 characters per line) of text.
Three newly added 6’ granite benches with custom plaques are available for $5000 each.
“When we finished the Resource Center buildout and pantry renovation in the late summer/early fall, it was decided that we should expand the Path to Opportunity to wrap around to the front of the building, thus allowing us to double both the pavers and the bricks and add the new granite benches, which will create a beautiful dignified space for people to sit while they wait for entry to the pantry, a class they may have signed up for in the Resource Center or an appointment for a vaccination, etc.,” said Senior Development Officer, Corporate Financing Rachel Leibowitz.
This naming project will run through the end of the Inn to Opportunity Campaign. Orders can be submitted at https://inntoopportunity.org/path-to-opportunity/.
Citizens Inn recently learned that Haven from Hunger will be receiving a $30,000 appropriation from the state as a part of a wide-ranging $3.8 billion relief package that will provide energy assistance, support transportation needs and invest in the state’s small businesses, caregivers, health care system, affordable housing and efforts to fight climate change.
“We are extremely grateful for this funding and to our local, elected officials for believing in our mission,” said Trujillo. “This money will help offset the increased costs of fuel for our food rescue trucks and staffing needed to be able to keep up with unprecedented, increased demand.”
Citizens is asking the public to join current supporters who share Citizen’s mission of providing transformational opportunities to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity and homelessness on the North Shore.
For more information about Citizens Inn and its programs, call 978-531-9775 or email [email protected].
