by Rachel Hunter

Giving residents in the Gouverneur area a hand-up in life, the Gouverneur Neighborhood Center, at 15 Rock Island St., Gouverneur, stands ready to serve all those in need, including those hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

The Gouverneur Neighborhood Center is one of six sites operated by St. Lawrence County Community Development Program. The centers are each staffed by a director and provide services to low-income families with the assistance of community volunteers; the services may be directly offered at the centers, or families may be referred to other agencies and resources as needed. Centers have food pantries and provide emergency aid if required with food, fuel, utilities or shelter. Thrift stores with donated clothing and household items are available at the Gouverneur Neighborhood Center and the Canton Neighborhood Center.

The mission of Neighborhood Centers is to help people in their communities move toward self-sufficiency. Obtaining available aid is often a difficult task for individuals and families, yet within the communities lie resources and assistance for those who need them. Centers operate with funds from the county, United Way, Northern New York Community Foundation, and generous contributions from individuals, businesses and faith-based groups. Donations of food, personal items and money are most welcome.

Gouverneur Neighborhood Director Angela Ferrick said the local food pantry has seen an increase in clients since the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Anyone that needs food can get food, right now,” she said. “We also have toilet paper and other hygiene options… Even if people just need some help during this time, we definitely encourage people to come if they need food.”

The St. Lawrence County Community Program shared this message on Facebook to try to share the message: “We understand that many members of our community are being hit hard with recent layoffs, hours cutting back, and difficulty reaching the unemployment office. We want those community members to know that they are eligible to utilize the Neighborhood Center Food Pantries. Yes, there are income guidelines-but current circumstances mean a lot more people are eligible. If you are having trouble feeding your family right now, we want to help you. That's what we're here for...”

According to The Emergency Food Assistance Program guidelines (July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020), income eligibility is set at the following household size and annual income (1, $23,106; 2, $31,283; 3, $39,460; 4, $47,637; 5, $55,814; 6, $63,991; Each Additional Person Add $8,177).

Gouverneur Neighborhood Center Director Ferrick also said there is a third Emergency HEAP available to people who need it.

The Gouverneur Neighborhood Center is open on an appointment-only basis. If clients need the food pantry, Director Ferrick said they only need to call the Gouverneur Neighborhood Center at (315) 287-3370. Staff will put the package on the front porch to avoid person-to-person contact. Director Ferrick said this is the way the Gouverneur Neighborhood Center will most likely operate until June. The Gouverneur Neighborhood Center is open Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. They are closed the first Friday of each month. For more information, call (315) 287-3370.