Temporary East Wenatchee site keeps Serve Wenatchee’s programs running

WENATCHEE — Serve Wenatchee is moving its operations across the river for now, setting up at the former Trinity United Methodist Church, 850 N. James Ave. in East Wenatchee, after a ruptured fire-suppression line flooded the nonprofit’s Orondo Avenue office with nearly three feet of water.

“This location is a major blessing for our clients,” Executive Director Mike Malmin said, noting the site is easy to reach by car and via Link Transit’s Eastmont Route 19. The building, managed by First United Methodist Church of Wenatchee, has sat largely empty as church leaders explored community uses.

When they reached out, Malmin said, the space offered a crucial advantage over other options. The fact that there was no additional permitting required allowed Serve Wenatchee to reopen in days rather than months. “The generosity of the church, and by extension, the greater Wenatchee Valley has been amazing in the days since the flood,” he said.

All services formerly offered on Orondo Avenue will operate out of the East Wenatchee location, including the Fresh Hope Market. Intake, rental assistance, and furniture assistance will also be handled there. Serve Wenatchee expects to be operational the week of Oct. 27 and will announce a grand-opening date soon.

One immediate way to hel is by donating new or gently used children’s coats at Coats for Kids this Saturday in the Albertsons parking lot, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The drive supports low-income students in grades K–12.

More information is available at servewenatchee.org.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media