History of Belmont
The Beginning of the Belmont Pantry
Establishing Belmont Community Resource Services (BCRS)
In 2016, Belmont UMC and its partners established Belmont Community Resource Services (BCRS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to oversee the ministry and grow its outreach to the community. In 2020, with the start of the pandemic, the Belmont Food Pantry switched to a drive-thru model and renovated The Closet. Belmont never closed its doors during the pandemic making it a trusted place for support. Over 90% of our clients say they heard about Belmont from a friend, family member, or neighbor.
The Belmont Food Pantry and The Closet at Belmont (free store) have doubled in size over the last 3 years. We are currently averaging 640 families a week (1500 people) through the Belmont Food Pantry and over 130 shoppers in The Closet every Friday.
Our Goals
- Operate a strong and dependable food and clothing pantry to serve community residents who struggle each month to make ends meet so that we may help catch those who are falling
- Reach out into the community so we may come to those who are unable to come to us themselves for assistance
- Become a hub of community activities and a network of services where residents are empowered to use their combined talents, skills and vision to build a safe, healthy and thriving community
- Be a message of Christ’s love to everyone, welcoming all with acceptance, dignity and respect; and provide a safe space for people to share their faith, build relationships, and find spiritual healing
Belmont Pantry
What is the Belmont Pantry?
The Belmont Pantry is supported by a small team of part time staff and more than 50 volunteers who sort donated foods, pack weekly bags, and serve all who come to the pantry every Friday (nearly 650 families every Friday).
Who Funds and Supports the Belmont Pantry?
How Can I Help?
It takes over 100 volunteers a week to keep the pantry in full operation. Already this year, our volunteers have logged over 14,000 hours!. Volunteers are needed Tuesday through Friday. Sign up to volunteer (see Volunteering page)
Consider purchasing or donating items on our Donation List. Print or email the list so others can see what is needed to support our families.
Make a donation (link to donation link)! For every $1 you donate we are able to provide $8 worth of food and services. A $10 monthly donor would be able to feed a family of 4 for a week!
The Closet at Belmont
What is The Closet?
The Closet at Belmont is a free store in which our neighbors can shop for clothes, shoes, housewares, small appliances (for cooking), hygiene items, toys, books, and so much more! We also stock sturdy reusable bags, rolling suitcases, and adult backpacks to support those who walk, bike, or take the bus and need help transporting their food and clothing home.
When are you open?
What can I do to help?
Donations are the best and easiest way to help support The Closet. It is important that your items to be donated are in good condition!
We need clothing for all members of the family but our greatest needs are items for children and teens (small women’s and men’s clothing). Under garments are also hard to keep in stock for all family memebers.
We do except toys, stuffed animals, and books but we ask that they be in like new condition.
We do not take furniture, mattresses, or large appliances.
Where do I go to donate items?
The Closet is located behind Belmont UMC at 3510 Broad Rock Road Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23234. Please leave donations under the carport on a table or cart so they can remain clean and dry.
Email Sandyatthecloset@gmail.com for an updated donation list or special donations.