On A Mission New Porterville Rescue Mission working to meet city code
The New Porterville Rescue Mission has overcome the first phase of bringing the mission building up to city code. After receiving news the mission was out of date code wise, the mission’s director Esther Ramirez kicked herself into high gear, in attempt to rescue the New Porterville Rescue Mission and continue serving the disadvantaged community in the area.
In the first phase of what could be called a total renovation project, Ramirez and the mission staff fought hard to keep the mission going. They grabbed the bull by the horns and reached out to the community in an attempt to raise money for a fire safety system that needed to be installed in the building, and for the electrical work that needed to be brought up to code. And the community didn’t fail the mission, Ramirez said.
Ramirez and her staff, with much help from gracious community members, were able to rally together and complete all of the electrical work needed. They also were able to raise the money to have the entire building fitted with a fire safety sprinkler system, which was one of the city’s biggest concerns when it did the initial inspection on the building.
The New Porterville Rescue Mission was given until August 12 to complete the first phase of these renovations, and it met that deadline with no problems. In fact, the mission was ahead of the mandatory deadline.
The Porterville Fire Department conducted each of the building inspections for the mission. It signed off on the mission’s new smoke detectors on July 16, and signed off on the newly installed sprinkler system on July 23.
Now, the mission is headed into phase two of the project, which is bringing its bathrooms up to ADA code. After phase two is complete, the mission will work towards installing a new stove and stove hood and repaving and repainting the parking lot to include handicap stalls.
For the newest portion of the project, the mission is in major need of several things including general contractors, sheet rock, flooring, bathroom appliances (i.e. toilets, sinks, shower, mirrors) and ADA compliant handrails and shower rails.
It could also use general items for its residents like hygiene products, towels, books, sleeping bags, tents, non-perishable food items and eating utensils.
Several fundraisers are in the works, including a taco fundraiser, to help raise the money needed to completely bring the entire building up to date.
The New Porterville Rescue Mission is located at 30 South A Street, and it accepts donations seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the mission, contact its office at (559)782-6379.