Hawthorne has just broken ground on an exciting new community resource center, a space set to transform local support. This 15,000-square-foot facility will rise at 7642 SE US Highway 301, directly across from Tractor Supply Company. It will replace the old Hawthorne Area Resource Center, which has been operating out of a small house.
The new center will dedicate half its space to a food bank. The other half will focus on job training, housing assistance, financial help, and more. Construction is spearheaded by Forefront Architecture and Engineering and Tallen Builders, with plans for completion by August.
Mayor Jacquelyn Randall expressed her joy, stating, “It’s finally coming to fruition. We’re doing what we said we would.” The idea started during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the city recognized the need for better resources. The project is funded by $5.9 million from the state, specifically for post-pandemic recovery efforts.
Once open, the food bank will continue to receive support from local suppliers such as Publix and Bread of the Mighty. The center will also offer additional services like senior care boxes, holiday meals, and assistance with Medicare and Medicaid.
Volunteers from the existing Hawthorne Area Resource Center will manage the new facility. Mayor Randall also hopes to collaborate with other county resources to provide even more services under one roof. “If transportation is an issue, we want to bring countywide services closer to residents,” she said.
Fred Will, a long-time volunteer, highlighted the challenges of the old center. “Deliveries had to be hand-carried in. With the new building, we’ll have room for equipment like forklifts.” He’s optimistic about the enhance space making it easier to serve the community.
The feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media is buzzing with excitement about the new center, with many expressing how it will improve local access to vital services. This development comes as communities nationwide are increasingly prioritizing resource centers to meet growing needs.
As cities like Hawthorne innovate and adapt, they’re proving that community collaboration can lead to progress. For more on urban development and community initiatives, check out the National League of Cities [here](https://www.nlc.org/).
