HINESVILLE – The Liberty County Manna House Board of Directors is asking for help to complete the new food distribution and soup kitchen in time for a ribbon cutting and building dedication to be held at noon on Sep. 3, at 244 W. Memorial Drive, Hinesville.

The old Manna House building was demolished June 2019 to clear the way to construct a safe and affordable building. While a significant portion of the construction budget was met, the board noted that $150,000 has to be raised to cover critical needs including flooring and refrigeration to ready the facility for operations. “We expected our new facility to be operational by now, but unfortunately there have been roadblocks, delays, and now a shortage of funds,” Executive Director Katrina Deason said. “A friend of the Manna House stepped forward with a $10,000 matching challenge to launch our $150,000 campaign, and we have asked our local government officials to come to our aid as well.” The Liberty County Manna House operates by public support. It is open year around, everyday except Sundays, for a daily distribution of fresh food, nonperishables, and hot meals in the soup kitchen. Deason said the new facility will better serve the population of at risk children, needy families, low income seniors, the homeless, and disabled veterans who have food insecurities. An average of 800-900 people were served monthly prior to the pandemic, but the need surged to an average of 2,000 people per month, Deason said. In addition, monthly drive-through food box distributions and soup kitchen takeouts were provided to help people remain resilient during the pandemic. “The Manna House has not closed, nor have we reduced services or access to food. In fact we increased availability to families affected by layoffs, closures, and sickness.” The ribbon cutting and building dedication is open to the public and masks are required. “This is monumental, and I really get emotional about it, but the good news is we have kept serving the people in spite of everything. We are here through thick and thin, and our friends and neighbors have stood by us. We are just making a clarion call to let everyone know we need them now to get to the finish line.” For more information and to donate call Deason at 912.368.3660. Visit www.libertycountymannahouse.org to donate online.