The Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) has found a location to provide service for the next 10 months.
The service will now be located in the Pavillion building at 136 Sagamore Avenue.
Sagamore Avenue is easily found with a left turn off 2nd Street in Grand Forks; just follow the signs leading out towards the airport.
The move is made possible by the Grand Forks Credit Union, which is funding the operating costs of the program.
HELP program assistant Liza Soukoroff says that the program is grateful for the assistance.
Soukoroff said that she had already talked to almost all the service groups in the area and found that there was nothing available in terms of donated space that would be able to house them.
“There had been some offers of a type of space but nothing that could really accommodate what we need, number one being ground access,” Soukoroff said.
With the help, Soukoroff said that they will be able to not only provide their service, but will have a reprieve to work on a plan for the future.
Angela Soukoreff, senior manager, marketing and communications at Grand Forks Credit Union, said that with the 10,000 people the credit union represents, it was important that the program not be moved out of the city.
“We don’t typically provide financial contributions to fund operational costs…but we just could not see our residents going for this (the HELP program leaving),” Soukoreff said.
She added that the Red Cross now has a period of time and the ability from the credit union to develop a strategy for fundraising and other ideas.
Kelly Thomas, CEO of the credit union, said that because of the value of the service to the community, and the credit union’s involvement in the community it was important to help the program to stay in Grand Forks.
“Thanks to the volunteers, the cost to operate this valuable service is low,” Thomas said.
“With a little work fundraising and some annual support from the business community and service clubs, I believe we, as the Boundary communities, could ensure this important community service remains in our area.”
The hours of operation will remain the same: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, clients and Health Care Professionals can reach the HELP program at 250-442-2608 or fax at 250-442-6207.