Bowls to Fill: Hope Zanes Butterworth

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Hope Zanes Butterworth of Concord's Friendly Kitchen. Read on for information on how you can help the soup kitchen rebuild. Photo by Rick Broussard.

More Info

If you'd like to make a donation or want to learn more about the Friendly Kitchen, visit www.thefriendlykitchen.org.

Her name, Hope, surely fits her. Hope Zanes Butterworth is, and has been for years, a source of hope for many in the Concord area. She's devoted an enormous amount of time and energy to good causes, especially to The Friendly Kitchen, which serves meals to the hungry. In 1999 she was instrumental in purchasing a house that would be a permanent space for The Friendly Kitchen. To honor Hope's vision and tireless volunteer spirit, the house was named "Hope House." Sadly, it burned this past spring. The Friendly Kitchen is making do in temporary spaces and she and others are struggling to make it permanent again. She is shown here with caretaker Martin Jon Scannell and her dog Lucy. (The piano, all that remains of Hope House, now resides in a field behind her home. )

How big a problem is hunger in the Concord area? Hunger in Concord and everywhere is a far bigger problem than most people realize.

Why is there hunger? As long as there is greed in any amount there is hunger.

How important is the Friendly Kitchen to the hungry? The Friendly Kitchen serves more than a meal. It is a refuge from the weather, from walking and from loneliness.

How much has the down economy affected the situation? It affects an already huge problem facing the hungry and the providers.

How is the Friendly Kitchen funded? With the exception of the United Way, entirely by donation.

What has the impact of the fire been? Our biggest impact has been our neighbors on Montgomery Street [where the Friendly Kitchen was located before the fire].

What's the biggest challenge in providing services? The biggest challenge since the fire has been having a place to serve. We are at Sacred Heart now and will be there until we rebuild - fortunately.

Why did you feel back in 1999 that a permanent structure was necessary? A permanent place was essential because we desperately needed one place for our guests to come to and one roof for our food and donations.

What's your hope for the future? A permanent place for us to serve and receive donations.

What needs to happen? A monumental amount of work needs to be done. We will do it and rest easier when it is done. And give thanks for the kindness and generosity of all who helped make it possible.

How can people help? Donations are always needed from businesses as well as individuals.