Hope Centre creates a ‘drive-in’ foodbank to tackle need in city

The drive-in food bank is just one of a number of new strategies launched by the Cornerstone City Church on Duke Street.

Other services include delivering food parcels for singles and families who are currently unable to leave their homes due to illness or vulnerability.

The ‘drive-in’ option will facilitate the collection of parcels while people remain in their cars. It will take place every Wednesday between 11am and 2pm at the Hope Centre, 40 Duke Street.

The team is also creating packs of essentials, including toiletries and pyjamas,for patients in Altnagelvin Area Hospital.

To help coordinate their response to the city at this time, the Hope Centre team have been working closely with a number of other local groups and service providers including City Centre Initiative, Western Health and Social Care Trust, local politicians and social workers.

John Loughery, a member of the leadership team at Cornerstone City Church said; “We believe it is the responsibility of the church to reach out to those who find themselves in crisis, and with this current landscape of our city caused by the Covid-19 pandemic this certainly is a time of crisis.

“We want to ensure that no-one in the city will go hungry during this time and we are doing everything in our ability to ensure we do just that in a safe and manageable way that also adheres to government guidelines.”

He said that the Hope Centre are ‘committed to bringing hope to the city through showing God’s love in practical and needed ways to whoever needs it’.

Mr Loughery added: “We also want to say a massive thank you to the many individuals and local businesses that have donated to our cause so far.

“If you or anyone you know needs any help during this time, please get in touch and we will do whatever we can for you.”

The Derry church-run initiative was established in Autumn last year.

The aim of the initiative is to help anyone who has a practical need in their life, regardless of their background or belief. Since its launch the Hope Centre has had the opportunity to provide food for over 150 households.

For further information on Cornerstone City Church, Hope Centre and how they can help you visit www.cornerstonecity.church/