After eighth break-in, food ministry closes its doors

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Church leaders at the Holy Cross Metropolitan Community Church in Pensacola have closed their doors to those in need after nearly a dozen break-ins in the past few months.

On Sunday, the church was broken into for the eighth time , and church leaders said they’ve had enough.

Wednesday, the pantry served up the last of its items until church leaders can find another place to restart the program.

Pantry Supervisor Wade McLemore said temporarily shutting the program down is going to give church leaders time to step back and make the pantry more efficient and safer.

“It’s very emotional for us. We’re wondering, ‘Why does this keep happening? What are we doing that we need to be doing differently that this needs to stop?’”

“It’s going to hurt a lot of people. I don’t know why they take away from people that need. The people who really don’t need just come up here and enjoy themselves,” said Jackie Cunningham.

Cunningham said she originally started coming to the ministry for items she needed but now, she enjoys socializing and being a part of the community.

She said her kids come with her from time to time and she comes every chance she gets.

McLemore said that’s what he loves to see. After spending nearly 20 hours a week with the ministry, he said it’s going to be hard to shut it down for a few weeks.

“There are a lot of homeless people around here who come and don’t only need food, but they need deodorant, toilet paper and a new pair of socks,” McLemore said. “Usually, the only time they change their socks is when they get a new pair and it’s something I like to provide for them. When they stole the 24 pairs of socks in the pantry this past time, it was personal to me.”

Church leaders plan to open back up within a month once they have a new plan in place