Souls Harbour gives Bridgewater its only soup kitchen

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission has expanded into the town of Bridgewater, in response to a growing need in a community long without a soup kitchen.

"We don't see people curled up in doorways, living on the street, finding shelter on the street, as you would see in a larger city, but the needs are really great," said VickySovie,manager and chaplain of the Halifax-based organization.

'A no-brainer'

Sovie saidshe spent the winter serving hot meals out of the back of her truck nearthe one and only food bank in Lunenburg County. That helped 7,000 people last year, she said. She's a retired nurse from the area, as well.

"Knowing that the needs were so great at the food bank, it was almost as if you could say it's a no-brainer," Sovie said.

New building

Souls Harbour has purchased an old home on Pleasant Streetin the centre of town, which will serve as a place for people to spend time and receive a hot meal.

It will be open from 1 p.m. to4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdaysand Fridays, beginning July 11. Soviesaid the teamexpects to serve around 35 people every day.

"We have children going to school who are hungry," she said.

Volunteers needed

Food and furniture donations have already been pouring in, she said.

The centre is looking for a donor to come forward to help with roof repair on the building. It's also welcoming volunteers to help serve foodand spend time with clients.