||| FROM HILARY CANTY |||
Congratulations to the Orcas Community Resource Center (OCRC) for being recognized as the Vital Service Provider of 2024 by the Chamber of Commerce. OCRC acts as the hub for social services and subsidies, connecting neighbors to medical, dental, and mental health services, housing support, utility subsidies, hygiene supplies, and so much more.
Both OCRC and the Food Bank report that they serve about 20% of our community on a regular basis. Approximately 8% of the community lives in an OPAL home, with another 100 on the waiting list. Many of these folks work at the school, medical center, grocery stores and provide other essential services. Others are seniors, whose fixed income may not be enough to cover the rising cost of living, and many are children. Approximately 50% of the students at the elementary school qualify for Free and Reduced meals.
Until there is a systemic fix, the affordability gap will continue to widen and the need for subsidies will grow as well. I suspect the Chamber of Commerce recognizes that without these vital support services, much of our local workforce could not continue to live on Orcas.
Having a strong network of nonprofits and community services focused on bridging that gap is what makes Orcas such a resilient community, thanks to OCRC, OPAL Community Land Trust, the Food Bank, the Senior Center, the schools and so many others. Their efforts help keep this community functioning by providing needed assistance to so many neighbors.
If you appreciate their efforts, and have the capacity, consider becoming a sustaining partner for one or more of these programs. They would greatly appreciate the support.
The School Cafeteria is hopping this weekend! Tonight is the Middle School Spaghetti Dinner. This is a great community event supporting the year end activities for the students. The students will be serving in the cafeteria to sit down or carry out. You can get your tickets here.
The Pea Patch Steering Committee is hosting a community workshop to discuss ideas for the community campus on Saturday from 2-4 also in the cafeteria. This is your chance to learn more and to share your ideas with the team.
Hope to see you there.
