When David Livingston officially took over as the executive director of the Destinations Bradford ministry earlier this month, he likely didn’t think he would be faced with a major challenge fresh out of the gate.
That wouldn’t be the case, however, after Livingston received a call that the ministry’s offices at 1 Main St. in Bradford had been flooded and damaged from a water pipe that burst in an upper floor of the three-story building during Monday’s sub-zero temperatures.
“It would have been Monday night when (the flooding) started, but we’re not exactly sure how long it went on,” Livingston said. “Nobody was able to get in contact with the maintenance guy until 10 o’clock at night, so when he finally got down there everything was drenched and destroyed.”
He said water damage occurred in the ceiling, walls and floor, and destroyed office items that included computers, a copy machine, television and other materials. Fortunately, the food pantry was not affected.
“Thank God the food is ok, but we won’t be able to go in and operate out of there,” he continued. “Unfortunately, they said they don’t want anyone in (the pantry) until an adjuster and inspector get there.”
Livingston said the ministry was helped with the cleanup by volunteers who included Michelle Aaron-Simmons and her wife, Sheila Aaron-Simmons, who own the Hooker Fulton Building in Bradford. Michelle Aaron-Simmons noted that she had previously managed the building that houses Destinations. She received a call for help from her brother, Phillip Smith, who currently manages the building for owner, Henry Sauer. The couple pitched in to help Smith with the cleanup, along with Destinations staff and volunteers who included former director, Becky Plummer.
Michelle Aaron-Simmons said she helped with the cleanup because she “cares about the community and its people.
“Also, we know how they feel,” she added. “We had a pipe burst a year ago and it flooded three floors. We put out a call for help to friends and family and they were there for us, immediately. “They just dropped everything and came to help.”
Although that cleanup was difficult, she said they kept thinking how blessed they were to have people in their lives who would pitch in.
“So when we got the call for 1 Main St., of course we’re going to be there,” she added.
Until the office is refurbished, Livingston said the ministry will continue on with other business that includes its annual campaign.
“In the midst of all this, we’re also trying to start the campaign for the year” to raise funds for the non-profit ministry, he said, noting campaign letters will be sent out in the near future.
In addition to providing food for the needy, Destinations also provides hygiene and cleaning products to its clientele as well as gas cards for medical appointments. The facility also provides emergency pharmaceutical assistance and short-term homeless assistance through hotel vouchers.
For those who want to immediately help the ministry with its current crisis, donations can be mailed to Destinations Bradford, 1 Main St., Braford, PA 16701.
