The Haven will be temporarily moving its food shelf to 608 N. Main while renovating the existing food shelf on campus. Due to subcontractor availability and supply chain issues, the main food shelf renovation plans will begin in January. In August, we signed a lease to operate the temporary food shelf at the new location. As of September 11th, construction began over at 608 N. Main; due to the adjusted timeframe, that work has stopped and will begin again in October or November.
The plan is that renovations on the food shelf at the main Byrne building will take no more than three months and that the food shelf will be up and running in April 2024, but we are prepared for a 4-5 month long renovation. In January, the Haven will need to close the food shelf for a week as it moves appliances and infrastructure necessities up the hill.
We will be updating this page for the volunteers as we know more. If you have any questions, thoughts or concerns, please reach out to us at ilorton@uppervalleyhaven.org or fill out an online suggestion form HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will the renovations start and when will the temporary food shelf open?
The renovations at 608 N. Main started, but have been paused until October or November. The temporary food shelf at 608 N. Main will tentatively open at the beginning of January.
How is the Haven communicating this plan to customers?
We will be giving customers as much forewarning as possible once we have an actual date, with signage around the Haven and hand outs for each food shelf order. Website. Social posts. Word of mouth.
How long will the renovations take?
Renovations at 608 will be brief. Renovations on our main campus will take an estimated 3-5 months.
What will the setup look like at 608?
There will be a large waiting area, inside, near registration. Customers will register and fill out their order forms inside. The rest of the building will be split east/west with the shopping side in the middle and the backroom at the far end.
Will customers be shopping inside? Hybrid model?
We plan to have customers wait inside but not shop for their orders at 608. Once we return to the main campus we will offer both options (hybrid).
What are the registration plans for over there?
Our Registration Coordinator Morgan will be stationed at 608, along with registration volunteers.
Grab-n-Go food?
We will have premade sandwiches on the shopping list for dailies, but there will be no other grab and go or prepared food made for/at 608. We are not permitted to have people eat on site or to prepare food there.
What about Café food?
Café food cooking/making will remain at the main campus in the Byrne building. There will be some sandwiches over at 608 N. Main on the daily list. The rest of the sandwiches and sides will be given to non-food shelf customers who come to Byrne for service coordination.
What's the parking situation at 608 N. Main? For customers and volunteers and staff? Will there be a shuttle?
We are still working this out, but volunteers and customers will be able to park at 608. Staff most likely will need to be shuttled over.
Will there be any waiting areas/shelters over there?
Just in the lobby.
What is the bus situation at 608 N. Main?
Currently there will be no changes to the bus schedule or stops. The closest stop to 608 is at the Bugbee Senior Center.
608 N. Main Street – TEMPORARY FOOD SHELF
713 Hartford Ave. – BYRNE MAIN BUILDING FOOD SHELF
