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303 ATWOOD STREET
LONGMONT, CO 80501
PH 303-772-5529 |
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| History |
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| ...from humble beginnings...a brief history of the Outreach United Resource Center |
| In late 1986, two seemingly catastrophic events took place in Longmont that would change the community, especially the community of the ones in need, forever. First, the Salvation Army Center was forced to close its doors after losing 1000 pounds of "USDA" foods (food provided by the government.) Then, the Samaritan House, which had been in operation for 17 years providing food and clothing to those in need, and run by St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, found itself overwhelmed with no money and too many requests. In short, the Samaritan House could no longer afford to stay open! |
| With this as a backdrop, Central Presbyterian minister Alan Landes organized a series of public meetings to talk about the need for improved welfare agencies in the city. Landes teamed up with approximately 25 other churches in Longmont to coordinate efforts to reach the city's needy in an effective, efficient manner. As a result of this effort, what was to become known as the OUR Center formed a partnership with Emergency Family Assistance to provide for the city's needy. To get this program off the ground, former Longmont mayor Larry Burkhardt was hired on a two month contract to get the OUR Center off the ground. |
| By March of 1987, the Samaritan House officially became the OUR Center Hospitality Center. In less than four months, more than 7,000 individuals and 2,000 households were served by the OUR Center. In June of 1987 the OUR Center's main offices were relocated to 414 Fourth Ave., where caseworkers were available to counsel those needing food, clothing or furniture. In addition to food, clothing and furniture, caseworkers were called upon to help with utility bills, rent, medical and transportation needs. Plans were also initiated to develop a day care center for children of working parents. And by September of the same year, the Hospitality Center was serving hot lunches to anyone wishing a meal, free of charge, attendance unconditional. |
| The following is an excerpt from the OUR Center Board meeting minutes, dated March 1987: |
"Somehow, I ended up with an envelope filled with pennies and nickels. It was a donation from a school aged child who wanted to help a family at Easter. When I gave this to Alan at our executive committee meeting, we all chuckled about the gift. I think the laughter was responding to the feelings we all have that we are pursuing something good and that in a small but very significant manner, the work of OUR Center was being validated in a way that only 63 cents from a youngster could do. The 63 cents will help us to feed a family. It also demonstrates the opportunity before us to help build a community of people who deeply and honestly care about the well-being of their neighbors. And, if we can work with the kids in our community today, to build the caring capacities reflected in the gift, we will somehow all end up in a better community and perhaps a better world." |
| In 2007, OUR Center served 93,317 meals in the Hospitality Center, distributed over 520,000 pounds of emergency groceries to 11,000 households. Obviously, the commitment to strive for a better community continues today. Providing compassionate support for the city's needy population, whether it is the homeless, working poor, aging or despondent, this organization will continue to be the beacon it was envisioned to be many years ago...Indeed, because of the OUR Center, this community is a little bit better. The job continues! |
| Thanks to John Maher, volunteer of 16 years, for providing this historical narrative. |
| What's in a name? |
| One of the individuals who helped initial planning was Margo Tiller. The night before one of the meetings, she had a dream in which she saw St. John the Baptist Catholic Church's Samaritan House, already designated to be the Hospitality Center and food bank for the cooperative venture. Above its door was a sign reading "OUR Center". The next day, she happily reported to the group, "I've got the name for us!" Eric Doering then suggested having OUR stand for "Outreach United Resource" would give the name more significance and the full name was adopted. |
| Click on the link below to read about how the OUR Center contributed to the 2006 All America City Award. |
 2006 All-America City Award Application - Community Information |
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