MELBOURNE, Fla. – The South Brevard Sharing Center has a long history of helping those in need.
The nonprofit on Hibiscus Boulevard traces its beginnings to 1971. That’s more than 50 years in Melbourne, Florida.
But change is happening at the long-time pantry. Executive Director Pamela Huffman said a recent building remodel and restoration has coincided with expanded services.
“We’ve been in this building for about 24 years and we reached a point in time when we realized we needed to undergo some pretty major renovations,” Huffman said as she gave a tour of the newly remodeled space.
Huffman pointed out a large waiting room and a new client services area. “We were able to remove a couple of walls, open up the space, install new lighting. It’s a nicer more comfortable environment.”
Huffman said they also made room for services beyond the food pantry.
“The clients come here for food but what we were hearing was ‘I wouldn’t need to come here if I just earned a little more money,” Huffman said. “So that’s what it boils down to. We’re putting a focus on workforce readiness, helping our clients build that skill set that they need in order to earn more in the workforce.”
Sylvia Wilson is one of the first clients of the Skill Building & Coaching services program. Wilson was living in Tampa. She had health issues and said she found herself nearly homeless.
Wilson relocated to the Space Coast with the help of a nonprofit in the Tampa area. They directed her to The South Brevard Sharing Center. “Every one of us goes through things at some point in time,” Wilson said, putting a positive spin on her situation. “You never know where you’ll end up, what needs you might have.”
Case managers helped Wilson find transitional housing. She now works at the Sharing Center Thrift Store. “You know I’ve been through a lot, so I appreciate the Sharing Center,” Wilson said. “I’m moving forward. Just happy that things are looking up.”
Wilson is saving money and hopes to find her own place soon.
Huffman said there have been many stories like Wilson’s since the expanded services started.
“It warms my heart. It’s fantastic,” Huffman continued. “In fact, just before we were talking, one of our clients stopped me here in the hallway, and was telling me about how a computer that we helped him with, has spurred his interest in pursuing more skills in computer science and that’s really wonderful.”
The Sharing Center pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays. Thrift store hours are M-F 9a-4p and the Community Resource Center is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
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