The Peru Gazette

A Message from Sister Debbie Blow follows:
The saying goes that when a window is closed, a door is open…or is the opposite? Whichever the case, we find ourselves in the midst of closing windows and doors, while awaiting an opportunity to open new ones. We have a MAJOR NEED and we hope you can assist.
Our present warehouse (affectionately called MOHtown which stands for Mission of Hope “town”) will soon be unavailable to us. Therefore, for the 6th time in the last 19 years of the Mission, we have to move our equipment, supplies and shipment process to another site.
The challenge is that at present, we don’t have another site. Yet, our Board of Directors recognizes, as does our MOHtown team, that we must seek a permanent solution to this vital aspect of the Mission’s services to those we serve, the poor and disadvantaged. Our shipments include medical equipment and supplies, school equipment and supplies, carpentry, clothing, household and much more, all of which serves the poorest of the poor in Nicaragua. Over the years, we have shipped millions of dollars worth of valuable items, while also providing a quality outlet for folks and businesses who are no longer in need of such items.
In addition, we are often called upon to assist veterans with various needs, as well as victims of local fires, etc. And as most of you know, we’ve given extensive assistance to disaster victims after Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, the Louisiana floods, the Oklahoma tornadoes, Hurricane Katrina and the list goes on and on. We respond as we can, when we can, with what we have.
So, we are reaching out to you and asking you to help us in any of the following ways:
1. Get the word out that we are in need of 4,000-6,000 square feet of adequate and long term storage- a building that would allow for loading of 40 foot containers. Ideally we need an acre or two of land and a building that could accommodate the storage and packing of items we ship.
2. Consider ways you might be able to help us achieve this long term solution.
3. Or if necessary, a short term storage site while we obtain something long term.
After much reflection and discussion and prayer, we recognize that this needs to be the next step in our sustainability plan as a Mission of Hope.
And just in case you are wondering what the 5 storage sites were previously, here’s a synopsis to tweak your interest:
First building was the former MAI/Seton school in Plattsburgh.
Second site was then the old bowling alley (yes with the floor ripped out) on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base.
Third, we then moved to the North Country Shopping Center out at Cumberland Head area.
Fourth, we moved into a building on Sharron Avenue in Plattsburgh and….
Finally, we moved to the present site in Schuyler Falls.
And while we are incredibly grateful to all those who provided these sites on a temporary basis, we now know it is time to put down some roots of our own, as we secure and stabilize this aspect of the Mission going forth.
As the situation unfolds, we will keep you updated on the progress and let you all know how you can help us make this permanent home a reality.
We ask for your prayers, your ideas and insights, and any leads you may have for us. Please contact Chair of the search committee, Paul Green, at 572-9766 or via email at paulegreen1@gmail.com.
If ever there was a time that we need to “Live and be Hope” (as I often say), this is one of those times. We hope to hear from you and we encourage you to forward this to anyone you know.
Thanks.
Sr. Debbie Blow, OP
Executive Director
North Country Mission of Hope
PO Box 2522
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Cell: 518-570-5443
Office: 518-561-2599