Home of Neighborly Service helps San Bernardino residents with food, services

By Greg Archer | Contributing Columnist

Those running Home of Neighborly Service, in a historic, 102-year-old San Bernardino building, want everybody to know how much of a saving grace the building has become.

Since 1922, the Home of Neighborly Service has been at its unique location at 839 North Mt. Vernon Ave., and has made strides for people in need. Through the decades, it has played a key role in assisting San Bernardino residents, often with food assistance.

Other events, including clothing and toy drives, help children and families in the region. The organization’s weekly food pantry and distribution has become a go-to, and the center relies mostly on donations and other funding.

“The historic building has been here for 102 years, serving the community with different resources,” said Charlene M. Smith, executive director of the Home of Neighborly Service. “Our weekly food distribution is one of the biggest programs we have. Even during the pandemic, when everything was shut down, we continued to somehow feed over 100 families a week every Friday. We basically have one staff member.”

The Home of Neighborly Service in San Bernardino surprises youths with a visit from Santa Claus, who gives them toys, books, clothes and other items. (Courtesy of the Home of Neighborly Service)

It’s Smith, in fact. The organization benefits from a board and volunteers.

It may feel like a heavy lift at times, but help does arrive. Recently, the Home of Neighborly Services received a CIELO Fund grant via Inland Empire Community Foundation.

“The grant was much needed,” Smith said. “There were so many upgrades that were needed here to continue to serve the community. The grant will help us because we need to have staff and other upgrades, but most of all, building capacity to continue with the programs.

Founded in 1922, the organization has been a vital lifeline for the community. But Smith is quick to point out the growing needs of residents in the region.

“In the last month alone, we fed many families,” she said. “And when I say families, I’m not saying 473 people, I’m saying households of three or more, and that’s far more than 470 homes last month alone.”

All that takes time.

“It’s an all-day process on Thursdays and Fridays,” she said. “And we’re right in the heart of the community and while it may not be in the best area, it’s where we’re needed.”

Smith joined the organization in 2019. Initially, she went into it thinking it would just be a three-month job, she said. That soon changed.

Food distribution takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Fridays. Everybody is welcome.

“We don’t turn anyone away,” Smith said. “People come in and receive a number, and when it’s called, we give them pre-packed groceries.”

While the organization does not provide hot meals, individuals are able to enjoy their bag of fresh produce, meat, and other items, which the organization receives from partners, including Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, United Way, Santa Claus Incorporated, and Inland Harvest, which drops off food every Thursday.

Other events stand out, too, she said, uniting the community, Coffee with the Cops among them.

“We have the local police department come down and we invite the community so they can discuss the concerns and the needs of the neighborhood,” Smith said. “We serve coffee, donuts, and the connection with the police department has been good.”

Also on the agenda: restoring the building. The organization is in the process of working with officials to designate the building as a bona fide historic site. Donations are always welcome but watch for another fall event, said.