Aug 2 2005
An average of 100 people a day stop by Mary's Kitchen to eat and clean up. After ten years, that's a considerable amount of wear and tear on the modular buildings. New showers, floors, doors and a fresh coat of paint are just some of what's in store for this Orange, California homeless station.
Members of the California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors Orange County Inland Empire chapter (CALPASC OCIE) are about half way through their project to bring new life to the well used and much needed facility's bathroom and laundry areas. Modular buildings on West Struck Avenue house the kitchen, restrooms with showers and a place for guests to wash and dry their clothes.
"We just want to do what we can to help these folks have a fighting chance to get back on their feet," says project director and Dynamic Plumbing Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mike Mahony. "It's CALPASC's way of giving back to the community, which has given our companies so much work over the years."
Mahony and his CALPASC partners are following in the same footsteps that first started Mary's Kitchen over twenty years ago when Mary McAnena began fixing and delivering meals to the homeless in Hart Park. Her daily efforts, and a 1995 grant from St. Joseph Health Systems to buy the modular buildings, created the permanent program that now cooks up about 10,000 meals a year. Monday through Friday, volunteers serve breakfast and a hot lunch to those who stop by in need. Visitors also are invited to use the shower and laundry facilities and given dinner-in-a-bag to take with them. Local churches provide Saturday breakfasts and Sunday lunches at Mary's Kitchen. Mary McAnena died in 2002 at the age of 100. Mahony and his CALPASC crew say they were inspired by her legacy of community service. Dynamic Plumbing, Lucas & Mercier Construction, Tech Power Systems, West Coast Painting and Taylor Trim and Supply all signed on to help with the project, scheduled to be completed the second week of August.
"The companies are eager to help out," states Beth Curran, Executive Director of CALPASC OCIE. "It's a natural for CALPASC since we have all of the trades under one umbrella. But the best part of this job is the heart of the contractors involved."
Mahony estimates the demolition, repairs, replacements and refinishings will combine for a total donation of over $20,000. "It'll be worth it for everyone," he promises. "Visitors not only get a meal but a shower and a place to launder their clothes. It just makes you feel good."
There is no interruption in meal service while the kitchen undergoes its own planned upgrading the first week of August. During this time, food will be served at St. Norbert's on Taft Avenue for the few days until Mary's Kitchen reopens, ready to continue the mission of Mary McAnena. California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors (CALPASC) is represented and managed by its members. CALPASC's mission is to advocate for specialty contractors, suppliers and related businesses in the legislative, regulatory and judicial arenas. CALPASC is committed to educating members on complex issues and advancing safety and compliance within the building industry.