Ready and Eager: Tinley Agency Reopens Pantry After Fire

TINLEY PARK, IL — The reopening of the 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 announced this week 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 in July, with major help 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 would have difficulty getting back to business.”

Other funding from private foundations, businesses and individuals has helped establish and operate the pantry, officials said. Additionally, funding from a state grant is anticipated after State Sen. Mike Hastings (D-19th) recommended TWC for financial assistance.

Thousands of area residents rely on the TWC food pantry to supplement their food budget, receiving a week of free groceries once a month, the agency said. A fire more than 18 months ago at the homelessness prevention agency’s headquarters forced the closure of the building housing the pantry, Nu2u resale store and business offices. The resale store reopened in May, while the pantry and all offices resumed operations in July.

After the fire, agency staff moved to the TWC administration building a few blocks away and continued to provide many services, including children’s programs. Clients continued to receive assistance with rent, mortgage and utilities, as well as very limited food and clothing.

“Not being able to serve our customers for over 18 months has been the hardest part of this situation for me,” said Tony Roman, food service manager. “The good news is that they never stopped receiving help.”

Roman explained that TWC works with other food banks in the area to help families in need.

“I imagine families who need more support have definitely felt the impact of our closure,” Roman said. “Customers have been forced to go to great lengths to get groceries when they need them, but TWC is getting back on track.”

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

“We typically serve 5,000 people a month in our pantry,” Straniero said. “We pride ourselves on providing our clients with the highest quality food and treating them the way we want to be treated. No one is turned away. We are ready and eager to have our clients back. Our volunteers and staff have been missed more than we have missed them.”

The TWC gratefully accepts volunteers and donations to the food pantry. For more information, contact Tony Roman at 708-633-5040 or [email protected].

TWC services span 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.