Crisis Control Ministry says donor will pay renovation; food pantry to become client-choice layout

Margaret Elliott, executive director of Crisis Control Ministry, briefed the Board of Aldermen on planned renovations to the organization's Kernersville office at 431 West Bodenheimer Street.

Elliott said the renovations aim to improve clients' experience, expand accessibility and volunteer/staff workspaces, and convert the pantry from four cramped rooms into a single, client-choice layout resembling a small grocery store. She described client-choice operations as allowing families to select foods they will eat rather than receiving prepacked boxes, which the ministry says reduces waste and preserves dignity.

Elliott said Crisis Control served more than 3,000 people in the Kernersville area in 2024 with food, housing and utility assistance. She identified two on-site staff members by name—Kathy Hoffner (director, Kernersville office) and David Richmond (client services coordinator)—and said the Kernersville office relies on roughly 50–60 volunteers. The presenter said a donor has agreed to cover 100% of the renovation cost, and that any municipal funding the town provides in 2025 would be used for client services rather than the capital project.

Elliott asked the board for continued support and described the renovation as nearing permit approvals. She invited aldermen and staff to visit the Kernersville office and noted Crisis Control's phone number for the local office: (336) 996-2636. No vote was required or recorded on the renovation during the meeting.