Supporting Growing Community Needs in Port Royal
Exciting developments are taking shape on Ribaut Road at Casablanca Circle in Port Royal, where a new $1.2 million building is currently under construction. Spanning 4,500 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility is set to significantly enhance the capabilities of a longstanding Lowcountry Good Samaritan group, catering to an increasing number of residents in need of essential resources such as food, clothing, and financial assistance.
Lori Opozda, the executive director of HELP of Beaufort, emphasizes the critical role of their organization in providing aid, especially in the face of economic challenges affecting even those who are employed. HELP of Beaufort has been a pillar of support for the community for over half a century, offering vital assistance to hundreds of working families, children, and seniors.
Recognizing the rising demand for their services, HELP of Beaufort is constructing its first permanent food pantry at 1600 Ribaut Road. In addition to the pantry, the expansive facility will feature a 2,200-square-foot produce garden, a walk-in freezer for cold storage, and a private office space for client intake. Plans also include offering cooking and gardening classes to empower individuals and families.
As construction progresses, HELP of Beaufort continues to operate a small pantry at 502 Charles Street in Beaufort, behind the Grace Chapel AME Church. The Beaufort and Port Royal communities have rallied behind the project, contributing over $1 million in donations, labor, and materials. However, additional funding of $150,000 is needed to complete the project, with recent efforts including a $50,000 anonymous donation contingent upon matching funds from other sources.
Opozda’s proactive approach in seeking support from local businesses has been instrumental in garnering assistance for the project, ensuring that HELP of Beaufort will own the building outright, free from debt. This milestone represents the culmination of over five decades of dedicated service to the community.
With the new facility slated for completion by early summer, HELP of Beaufort is poised to continue its mission of providing vital assistance to those in need, further strengthening its longstanding commitment to supporting the well-being of the Lowcountry community. To learn more about this transformative project and how to contribute, visit helpofbeaufort.org.