Where Your Money Goes: DESC’s upgraded meal program
We here at United Way of King County are really proud of the work we do in the community and we love it when we can show off some of the cool projects we’re involved in.
Today’s featured project is Downtown Emergency Service Center’s (DESC) Drop-in Center meal program upgrade. It was funded through our Response for Basic Needs which focuses on supporting and strengthening the organizations that are helping folks during this recession.
With our funding, DESC was able to upgrade a bunch of their equipment so they can serve more people better and more efficiently. Here’s what they bought:
- A larger refrigerator and a new freezer
With this equipment, they can hold more food than before. In the past, a large portion of donated perishables such as bread, meat, and fish had to be declined because they couldn’t be refrigerated. Now, 50% more food is available for meal prep and food storage has increased by 150%!
- A commercial dishwasher
The dishwasher holds four times as many dishes and runs three times faster than their old dishwasher. This means quicker and more efficient cleaning! - A hot water heater
The Drop-in Center showers used to run out of hot water after six people. Now 10 – 12 people can enjoy a hot shower!
You can see pictures of all the new equipment in our gallery below.
Seriously, things like this make my day. It’s a great feeling to help a great organization like DESC make a few no-brainer upgrades that make a huge difference for their client.
Hi! I live at the DESC and I have a question. These are all of the upgrades to help serve the clients at the DESC right? Then why were seniors taken off the meals on wheels program and told that it was because their wasn’t enough room for the storage of the meals?
Hi Charity,
I’m sorry to hear about the problems with meals on wheels at DESC. As I’m unaware of the specifics of the situation, I’m reluctant to comment on them directly. But we do feel strongly that our equipment upgrades have helped DESC and its clients, and we encourage you to talk with DESC management about meals on wheels.
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