Assistance Center Plans Major Expansion

The Assistance Center of Towson Churches recently marked its new expansion efforts with a groundbreaking ceremony.

The volunteer organization, a consortium of 48 churches that serve those in need in the greater Towson area, has been operating in a small facility behind Calvary Baptist Church, 120 W. Pennsylvania Ave., since 1985. In a news release, the group states that additional space is necessary to carry on its mission.

"Since the volunteer organization opened 27 years ago in the building that was a converted garage, its client base has grown considerably," reads the release. "In 2012, ACTC served 33,700 people, more than double the number it was four years ago in 2008 and 30 percent more than in 2011."

Plans for construction, estimated to cost $100,000, include a 13 feet by 22 feet addition that will be added to the back of the 41 feet by 22 feet building, a handicapped accessible client bathroom, an upgraded electrical system and enlarged food refrigeration space.

The effort is largely funded through donations, including $50,000 from the Rotary Club of Towson, according to the release.

The center will remain open until the end of June, after which it will close for two months for interior renovations. During that time, limited services will be available to the homeless at Prologue for the Homeless at 609 Baltimore Ave. Families and singles will receive services at 700 Baltimore Avenue.

A rededication ceremony is slated for the end of August or mid-September.