Helpline House recently broke ground for its new facility at 282 Knechtel Way NE.

The new 12,700 square-foot facility will replace the old Helpline House building, which opened in 1983 on Knechtel Way. The upgraded space will enhance services for the food bank, secure social services through various programs, including children’s and senior services and establish dedicated spaces for mental health counseling and social service clients, a news release states.

The state of Washington provided a $2.5 million grant from the Department of Commerce Building Community Fund to support the construction of the new Helpline House. The capital campaign to fund the new facility has a goal of $12 million, and over $11 million has already been raised over the past two years, per the release.

Over 120 community members attended the event. The ceremony featured many speakers, including state Rep. Greg Nance.

“This place is more than a food bank, more than a building. It is a sanctuary of dignity, a promise to every neighbor who finds themselves in a moment of need: you are not alone,” Nance stated. “This project is a wise and worthy investment by the state and by our community. This isn’t charity; it’s compassion in action. It’s common sense. It’s good government. It’s smart policy.”

Other speakers included Joan Hemphill, Helpline’s board of directors president.

“The new larger facility will allow us to truly serve as a community hub,” she said. “Throughout the design and fundraising process, Helpline House has continued to see a record number of shoppers coming through our doors, and thanks to the generous support of our community, we are now in a position to better meet these needs.”

Helpline House is currently operating at 901 Hildebrand Lane near the north end of Ericksen Avenue. The temporary facility has been up and running for the past two months and is leased through the scheduled grand opening of the new building in late spring of next year.