Hub Argentine

The path to community vitality begins with ensuring access to resources that support our most basic needs. The Hub provides vital resources of food, clothing, and hygiene through our Community Market, Clothing Closet, Shower Program and Community Garden Programs. Our Community Market averaged 76 households per week and served 17,595 individuals in 2023 with food and household hygiene items. Additionally, the Clothing Closet provided clothing to 32 households per week in 2023 and 11,200 individuals. The Clothing Closet also distributed over 500 coats in November and December. The Community Garden provided 500 lbs of fresh produce to the Community Market and was available 24/7 for neighbors to harvest fresh produce. Our Little Free Library distributed over 300 books to individuals in the community as well.

The Hub's After School Program provides students at the local elementary school with tutoring, snacks, emotional and mental health support, and leadership development skills. The future of community vitality depends on the investment in the next generation of community leaders. The After School Program runs 8 hrs/week from Tuesday - Thursday for 20 students. We served 30 students in 2023 (turn over due to graduations from elementary school and families moving out of the area). Each student received 4 balanced snacks, 2 hours of reading, 1 hour of physical education, 1 hour of emotional support and leadership development, and 1 hour of tutoring per week. These components shape well rounded students and impact their families and classrooms beyond the program.

The Hub supports Community Empowerment through sharing the resources of our space with community organizations, churches, and entrepreneurs. The Hub shares space with four non-profit organizations that address environmental justice and pollution problems, LGBTQIA+ rights and advocacy, and addiction/recovery support. The Hub provides space to two churches whose congregations are predominantly immigrants and refugees. Further, The Hub is in the process of developing a Community Kitchen that supports local entrepreneurs in business development and having a certified space to prepare food. Providing the basic resource of space for offices, business development, and gathering for community is a significant component of community empowerment. Additionally, The Hub partners with Argentine Betterment Corporation to lead monthly meetings for community nonprofit organizations. We have a 12+ nonprofits serving our community and believe that we are better when we partner with each other and support each other's work.

A connected community is an essential component of a healthy and vital community. The Hub's Neighbors of Argentine Program connects neighbors of the Argentine community (zip codes 66103 and 66106) together through story sharing. Over 80 neighbors have shared their stories, gifts, and skills through this program and have been featured on The Hub's website and social media. Neighbors connecting to neighbors provides financial support as people can ask for help from the people around them as well as enables people to age in place. Further, Neighbors of Argentine breaks down barriers of language, economic class, race, ethnicity, nationality, citizenship status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, family make up, and religious or faith tradition. The Hub also hosted in person events for neighbors to connect over a meal. We held 3 in-person events in 2023 for the community with over 150+ neighbors participating.