Nourishing Body, Mind, and Spirit
About the Project
The Free Library & Outdoor Food Pantry is a self-service community resource created by Our House of the Way, with a special focus on supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and families facing food insecurity in Benton Harbor.
This space is designed to offer more than food — it provides knowledge, hope, and encouragement through a carefully curated selection of books and uplifting messages, along with basic food supplies available.
How It Works
The Outdoor Food Pantry operates on a simple principle: take what you need, leave what you can. It is stocked with:
- Non-perishable food items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and snacks.
- Basic hygiene products (when available) such as soap, toothpaste, and deodorant.
The Free Library is stocked with books that are selected with care — not just any books, but ones that:
- Bring hope and comfort to those going through difficult times.
- Offer valuable knowledge in areas such as personal growth, spirituality, practical life skills, and health.
- Inspire personal transformation through stories of resilience, faith, and overcoming adversity.
Each book also contains a personal message of encouragement, written by volunteers, to remind each reader that they are seen, valued, and never alone.
More Than Just a Door
We believe that each person who opens the door to our Free Library & Food Pantry is opening a magical door — one that brings light, blessings, and renewed hope in humanity.
For those who come to receive, may this door remind them that they are loved, supported, and never forgotten.
For those who open the door to leave a donation, may they also feel the energy of love and compassion, knowing they are part of a circle of kindness, where we all care for one another.
This is the deeper message behind every small act:
One human being caring for another — building hope, restoring dignity, and spreading love.
Our Goals
- Ensure immediate access to food for anyone experiencing hunger.
- Encourage a love for learning and reading as a tool for empowerment.
- Offer hope and inspiration through the power of uplifting words.
- Foster a sense of community care, where everyone can contribute or benefit without stigma.
Why It Matters
Many individuals living on the streets or in temporary housing lack both consistent access to food and positive mental stimulation. Providing nourishment for the body and the mind helps restore not only strength but also dignity, self-worth, and hope for a better future.
This project transforms a simple food pantry into a space of transformation, where every meal and every book becomes an act of love and a step toward empowerment.
How You Can Help
- Donate books that inspire, educate, or uplift.
- Donate non-perishable food items to keep the pantry stocked.
- Write messages of encouragement to be placed inside each book.
- Sponsor part of the project by contributing materials for the pantry’s upkeep.
