by Talia Hreljac
After a fire destroyed the interior of the Food Bank at the House of Lazarus (HOL) in April 2023, it appears the phoenix is finally rising from the ashes. Thanks to the support of community friends and family, construction has begun on a new location across the street from their current location. This new building will house the Food Bank, Food Bank Warehouse, furniture store, and office space. The project is expected to be move-in ready by the spring of 2025. The new location will also provide more room for displaying the generous donations received from the community, allowing HOL to better serve those in need.
As we gathered around the construction site, excitement filled the air. The chair of The House of Lazarus remarked, “This was just a hope and a concept, and now it’s becoming a reality.” In these tough economic times, more families are relying on organizations like The House of Lazarus, so it’s truly heartening to see them gain the resources they need to meet the growing demands of the community.
The House of Lazarus is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the community by ensuring people have access to the basics of life. Last year, HOL’s food banks served over 825 individuals, and their Operation Backpack program now supports 290 children, providing weekly food-filled backpacks. The organization also runs many other programs that assist local families and individuals.
To learn more about the House of Lazarus, its new building project, and its numerous outreach programs, visit their website at hol.community, call 613-989-3830, email cashby@houseoflazarus.com, or visit 2245 Simms Street in Mountain.
