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Crossroads Urban Center:
Crossroads Urban Center is a non-profit, grassroots organization that assists and organizes low income, disabled, and minority Utahns to meet basic survival needs and to address essential issues affecting the quality of life. Established in 1966, Crossroads is a multi-faith, community based project related to the Women's Division of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. A food pantry and a thrift store soon emerged as focal points for community involvement. The food pantry and advocacy groups are housed in a historic building at 347 South 400 East in Salt Lake City. The thrift store building is at 1383 West Indiana Avenue (840 South) in Salt Lake City.
In the early 1970’s, Crossroads Urban Center made two commitments that continue to guide its work – one was to be more ecumenical in nature and the other was to work on the root causes of poverty while addressing critical needs. Cottonwood Presbyterian Church joined with other denominations to support Crossroads Urban Center. Since then, Cottonwood has been a key partner in serving the needs of less-fortunate people in the community. Highlights from 2010 follow:
- Crossroads' Food Pantry is now one of the busiest in Utah. The food pantry served 18,801 households containing 40,410 members, providing them a three-day, emergency supply of food; plus 2,774 orders of baby food/formula/diapers beyond what was distributed with those food orders.
- Crossroads' Food Pantry has become one of the largest distributors of food for the Utah Food Bank; while more than half of food they distribute is donated directly to Crossroads through church food drives or by individuals.
- Crossroads' Emergency Fund provided 2,937 households containing 4,747 people with gas vouchers, bus tokens, prescription assistance or other assistance; primarily to stop evictions and utility shut offs.
- Crossroads Thrift Store distributes donated clothing and household goods free of charge to low-income and homeless individuals and families though a church-based referral system. In 2010, there were 7,293 families containing 19,820 people who received free items valued at approximately $332,803
- Crossroads Thrift Store also sold items at very low cost valued at $25,784, including some new children’s clothing and shoes (the store gave away nearly thirteen times the amount that was sold).
At Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, food for the pantry is collected in the narthex and delivered to Crossroads weekly. Used clothing is collected in the large bin adjacent to the rear entry door and delivered when full. Volunteers work in the Food Pantry and Thrift Store. Used books are collected and sold at an annual church event, with proceeds donated to Crossroads. Regular financial contributions are made from the Mission budget and designated contributions are passed through the church to Crossroads Urban Center. Special drives are organized in response to critical needs. Your continued support is much appreciated.
Remind those from your group who deliver food to give the name of your faith community, not their individual name, so we will know who to thank for our gifts.
In Our Community
SALT LAKE COUNTY MEALS ON WHEELS NEEDS HELP
We need several people to help deliver lunches in the CPC area. It takes less than one hour every third week. No special equipment is needed. If you could possibly help, please call DeeDee Simer at 801 262-2224 for details.
