'Ready And Excited': Tinley Agency Reopens Food Pantry After Fire

TINLEY PARK, IL — The reopening of beloved and essential social services agency Together We Cope's food pantry has come to fruition, nearly two years after a fire damaged its facility in Tinley Park.

Together We Cope this week announced the long-awaited reopening of its food pantry at 17010 S. Oak Park Ave. in downtown Tinley Park. Staff will resume providing groceries to south suburban families in crisis during July, with a major assist from the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

"The Food Depository has been extremely generous in supporting our reopening efforts," said Kathryn Straniero, executive director. "Without them, we’d be struggling to get back in business."

Other funding from private foundations, businesses, and individuals was instrumental in getting the pantry up and running, officials said. Additionally, funding from a state grant is forthcoming after State Sen. Mike Hastings (D-19th) recommended TWC for financial assistance.

Thousands of area residents rely on the TWC pantry to supplement their food budget, receiving a week’s worth of groceries free once per month, the agency said. A fire at the homeless prevention agency’s main location more than 18 months ago forced a shutdown of the building housing the pantry, Nu2u resale shop, and business offices. The resale shop reopened in May, while the food pantry and all offices got back in business in July.

Following the fire, agency staff relocated to TWC’s administrative building several blocks away and continued to provide many services, including children’s programs. Clients continued to receive rent, mortgage and utility assistance, as well as very limited food and clothing.

"Being unable to serve our clients for more than 18 months has been the most painful part of this for me," said Tony Roman, food pantry manager. "The great news is they never stopped receiving assistance."

Roman explained that TWC worked with other food pantries in the region to service families in need.

"I imagine families in need of greater assistance have definitely felt the impact of us being closed," Roman said. "Clients were forced to go out of their way in their times of need to obtain groceries, but TWC is getting back on track."

Executive Director Kathryn Straniero said the agency is fully aware of the hardship on families that the fire caused.

"Typically, we serve 5,000 individuals a month in our pantry," Straniero said. "We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of food to our clients and treating them as we want to be treated. No one is turned away. We are ready and excited to bring clients back. Our volunteers and staff have missed them more than they’ve missed us."

TWC gratefully accepts volunteers and donations at the food pantry. For more information, contact Tony Roman at 708-633-5040 or troman@togetherwecope.org.

TWC's services reach 27 communities, including Alsip, Blue Island, Bridgeview, Chicago Ridge, Country Club Hills, Crestwood, Evergreen Park, Garden Homes, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Hickory Hills, Hometown, Homewood, Markham, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Hills, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Posen, Robbins, Tinley Park and Worth.