Helpline House, Bainbridge Island’s nonprofit food bank, social services provider, and no-fee mental health counseling agency, has launched a public fundraising appeal to complete its $12 million Building a Better Bainbridge Capital Campaign.
For over 40 years, the organization has operated out of a small and aging facility at 282 Knechtel Way NE. Rising demand—food bank visits increased 66% between 2021 and 2022—combined with deteriorating infrastructure and limited space, led the board of directors to approve a new facility in 2022, a news release says.
The future 12,750 square foot building will feature:
• A 900 square-foot shopping area with an additional 300 square feet of refrigerated storage.
• A Porch Pantry with refrigeration, offering after-hours food access and reducing barriers created by stigma or scheduling.
• A single, consolidated storage system to streamline volunteer operations.
• Nine private social service meeting rooms to ensure confidentiality and calm for those facing housing, health, or financial challenges.
• Accessibility features such as curbless parking and an elevator, ensuring all community members feel welcome.
The project also makes room for expanded services such as Helpline House’s Children’s Mental Health Program, launched in 2023 to provide counseling for kids ages 5–12.
Support has already come from local businesses, faith communities, regional foundations, and state taxpayers, who contributed over $2.4 million through a Department of Commerce grant. Helpline House has raised nearly all of the $12 million goal, with just $500,000 left to secure as of Sept. 29.
To close the gap, Helpline House invites the public to join its 10 Days of Giving, October 1–10. Every gift or pledge made during this period will be matched dollar-for-dollar from a pool of over $250,000 pledged by major donors. In celebration of each gift, a leaf will be added to the handcrafted Giving Tree, donated by Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network.
“Helpline House has always embodied a neighbor helping neighbor philosophy,” said executive director Maria Metzler. “This campaign is a chance for everyone on Bainbridge to plant a seed for the future and ensure no one faces hardship alone.”
Construction is underway at 282 Knechtel Way NE, with a grand opening anticipated in the spring. In the meantime, Helpline House continues to serve the community from its temporary location at 910 Hildebrand Lane.
For more information or to make a gift or pledge, visit helplinehouse.org.
