TOPS reports rising demand, outlines shelter and building plans

Sherry Martin, executive director of Tallawanda Oxford Pantry & Social Services (TOPS), told the Oxford City Council on April 25 that TOPS served 1,421 households and fed 3,486 people in 2024, with 2,300 of those people living inside the Oxford city limits.

Martin said TOPS delivered 2,850 food boxes around the Talawanda School District (about 80% of deliveries), provided $34,866 in rent and utility assistance in 2024 and — together with partner churches — helped provide more than $62,000 in housing support. "We served 1,421 households," Martin said during her presentation.

The presentation included cold-shelter statistics: TOPS provided 539 shelter nights to 47 individuals from 29 households; staff recorded 10 households that were subsequently housed and five that moved outside Oxford to find affordable housing. Martin said the organization spent more than $41,000 on cold-shelter costs and that long-term impact remains limited because the primary barrier for many clients is affordable housing.

Former TOPS executive director Anne Pure, speaking during public comment, praised the current leadership and urged continued community support. "The need is definitely increasing," Pure said, noting that local demand for food and housing services has grown since the pandemic and that federal aid for anti-poverty programs is shrinking.

Martin also gave a building update: TOPS has applied for a building permit, is ready to bid and is holding a pre-bid meeting at the TOPS site tomorrow at 2 p.m. She said the new facility is intended to consolidate pantry and social-service operations "to serve more effectively and sustainably." Council members asked whether the council could assist with advertising for contractors; Martin said architect Scott Webb has been handling outreach and she would follow up if additional channels were needed.

Miami University students Sydney Smith and Sarah Fitzsimmons spoke during public comment about litter and recycling in Uptown Oxford and proposed public recycling bins along High Street, telling councilors that a student survey showed significant interest in public recycling to reduce litter.

Councilors responded with expressions of support and directed staff to follow up. Mayor Snavely and other councilors thanked TOPS and volunteers for services and for pursuing the building permit.

Clarifying details recorded in the meeting: TOPS reported 1,421 households served (1,397 households fed), 3,486 people fed, 2,300 served within city limits; 2,850 food boxes delivered (≈80% within Talawanda School District); $34,866 in rent/utility assistance in 2024; $41,000+ spent on cold-shelter nights; 539 cold-shelter nights to 47 individuals in 29 households; pre-bid meeting scheduled at TOPS tomorrow at 2 p.m.

The council did not take formal action on TOPS funding at the meeting but reiterated ongoing staff follow-up on contractor outreach for the building and requested a staff report on student recycling suggestions.

TOPS, a local nonprofit, attributed its work to partnerships with local churches and donors; speakers repeatedly noted that federal and state funding streams are limited and that local support remains essential.