A new North House market pantry is giving clients in north Durham private, appointment-based access to food and household supplies.
The housing-support organization opened the market-style pantry with fresh, frozen and non-perishable food. Items are free to registered North House clients.
Appointments aim to improve choice and privacy
Clients register in person or online, receive an identification number and book individual 30-minute appointments. Unlike a pre-packed hamper, the format lets people select products that fit their needs.
Clients who cannot visit can review available items by phone or video call, and staff can arrange delivery. North House serves about 120 clients who need help finding or keeping housing.
The agency says rural homelessness can include couch surfing or people living in trailers and barns, situations that are less visible than street homelessness.
Community partners supported the pantry
Elexicon Energy contributed 25,000 dollars. The Rotary Club of Uxbridge Charitable Foundation helped pay for cold storage, while Feed the Need Durham, the Nourish and Develop Foundation, Uxbridge council and local businesses also contributed.
North House says the pantry will work alongside existing food banks rather than replace them. People seeking help should contact North House to confirm eligibility and book an appointment.
