Holding out hope
Owner of Columbia thrift shop and food pantry finds silver lining, eyes new location after receiving eviction notice
An eviction notice out of the blue would upset most people, but not Nancy Scott, founder of Nancy’s Hope Community Center, a nonprofit organization located in Columbia that provides a food pantry, thrift store and community programs for those in need.
The news came as a shock, yet Scott chose to look at the situation with positivity.
“It’s a blessing, even though it came out of left field,” she said. “Having a negative attitude is like having a flat tire. You can’t go anywhere until you fix it. I choose to be positive.”
Originally the notice to vacate, which was dated Nov. 23, gave the 6,500-square-foot thrift shop and food pantry 45 days to find a new home. That was a tall order after being in their current location for the past five years, especially during the holidays.
The original deadline has been extended since the letter was sent, and now Scott has until the end of January to find
a new location.
A stressful situation for many, Scott has handled the move with grace, calm and no hard feelings.
“Lorick Enterprises has blessed us so far,” she said, regarding the company that needs her building and the
hangar space located behind her shop, for a new aviation company. “Mike Jones always helped us out by giving us a reduction in rent. I am grateful to him for that.”
The former National Guard Armory, located at 10800 Airport Road next to the Columbia Airport, is the site Scott has her heart set on for their new location. The building, which is county-owned, has been empty since the Columbia Farmory moved to Jamestown in July 2020
The former tenant chose to move from the location due to the age of the building and the upkeep necessary to keep it in working condition.
Undeterred by stories of an aging, high maintenance building, Scott is smitten with the site and feels that it’s “God’s plan” no matter what needs to be done.
“The county has been amazing,” she said regarding a
potential move to the site. “Everyone working with them has been great. I am confident in what is going on with the armory.
“We have outgrown our current location. More space at the armory means we can take in more donations. We will have room for larger items, including furniture.”
The approximately 11,000-square-foot armory building would be a “dream come true,” Scott said, because it has a full kitchen, a large delivery door and the space they need to begin new programs, including adding a soup kitchen and bringing in a hot dog stand.
“I’d like people to be able to come in and get something warm to eat,” she said. “I’d like to be able to feed the homeless on the spot. We just want to feed them and give them and give them a little bit of hope.”
Scott recognizes that there are a plethora of items that will be needed in order to run things smoothly if the business moves to the old armory, including heaters, air conditioners, wall units to display items, clothing racks, as well as a new POS system to help the thrift shop keep track of inventory more accurately.
“We are hoping for donations from the community,” she said. “I believe that God will provide.”
Nancy’s Hope is a site host for AmadorTuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA). As such, Scott orders approximately 3,000 pounds of food — including meat, produce, canned goods and beans — every other week for the food pantry, which is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Scott, who was born in Calaveras County and raised in San Andreas and Angels Camp, moved to Tuolumne County in 1999.
“I was given a vision by God 12 years ago that I was to do more for the community,” she said. “He showed me multiple visions showing me I need to help people, those in need, with clothing and with food.”
She started a little clothing closet while working at Busy Bee’s Preschool & Daycare and increased her efforts by utilizing two storage units and her garage to store clothing and other necessities for those in need.
At Monday Night Dinners in Columbia, held at the First Presbyterian Church, Church of the 49ers, Scott provided clothing and toiletries to the approximately 80-plus people who attended the weekly free meal, which was started by long-time congregant Helen Johnson in 2004.
The weekly meal, which
was held every Monday at Faith Hall at 6 p.m., has been on hiatus due to COVID-19. The church plans to bring back the ministry when it is safe to do so.
In addition to the food pantry and thrift shop, Scott provides other types of aid through numerous programs that include vouchers for those in need of clothing, bedding, towels and other necessities; necessities for mothers to be, foster parents, their infants and foster children; and suitable attire for job seekers that have an interview, but need appropriate clothing to complete their professional appearance.
“I think it is absolutely wonderful what she does,” Scott’s friend of 17 years Tamra Birdzell, of Columbia, said. “Nancy is perfect in every way. When you’re down and in need, Nancy is always there for you. I’ve been
there myself.”
Some in the community have offered to help Scott with the massive feat of moving her business when the time comes, including some who work for Tuolumne County agencies.
“We have 32 people who can assist her on a Saturday,” Joe Reynosa, a Tuolumne County probation supervisor, said.
Reynosa, a work release coordinator, said he regularly sends over people to Nancy’s Hope to help her at the thrift shop and food pantry.
“Nancy’s Hope is a good organization, doing good work for the people in this community,” Reynosa explained. “That is what it is all about. We are always willing to help her.”