The Dusty Cover - A Disappointing Update (But Not Without Hope)
Last week was a real kick in the gut with respect to The Dusty Cover. We received a call from the city's health department. It seems the person I initially spoke to failed to give me all the details, so they were kindly getting back to me (nearly 6 month later). However, it turns out that under Winnipeg's by-laws, for us to serve coffee (no other food items at all) requires that we meet the same facility requirements as any commercial kitchen. Not only would this cost us thousands of dollars in upgrades, but it would be zoning permits and another several months delay. Needless to say, that wasn't an option we could afford.
Feeling somewhat defeated, I went back to the city with a series of alternatives. It seems we have come up with something of a compromise. We are able to provide free coffee that must be self-serve with only disposable items. Needless to say, this will severely impact our primary income, but the alternative was no better. People can make donations towards the drinks, which we hope will offset the cost. Obviously this project was never intended to be a money maker, so we are now looking at creative ways to further subsidize the project. Any ideas?
While we are all disappointed, we are also experiencing something akin to relief. The details surrounding the upgrades would have been overwhelming to us in a time where our ministry is already financially stretched. With my struggle against burn out, it might have been the straw that... well, you know. In the end, we are trust God's wisdom in this, refusing to let it break our spirits and vision.
In fact, it is times like this that we all realize how much we love our community. (Pernell wrote a powerful post that could very well have been written here. Read it to get an idea of what we see live with). Our neighbourhood is deeply wounded, but the wound is so clearly visible only against the beauty of the people that live here. Further, it has drawn us together as a staff, as we experience the true cup of communion as we seek to be the Body against what seems impossible odds. God is good.
Keep us in prayer!
Missional
(Comment this)
Having that as an option would give The Dusty Cover so many more options within your community to be a source of healing and redemption.
I guess I'm just saying, don't count it out. God has a way of making those impossible things happen for His glory. (Comment this)
Seano's thought about a social (perhaps quarterly?) might be worth considering. Use all of those connections you've made over the years and have an open house type of thing when kind patrons can offer donations (and books).
(Comment this)
We haven't looked into the all the details, but the number is high enough that, even if we were to be able to raise it, it would not be wise to invest it. We'd rather raise that money and invest it into children's programs, etc. Further, in talking to the landlord and looking at what is involved, the time delay would also be too much.
After much thought and prayer, we feel that the upgrades are not something we are able to pursue right now. If we feel we need to in the future, it would be far cheaper for us to find a location all ready set up for that purpose. Really, we are at peace with this decision.
However, if a fundraiser/social was to happen, the bookstore could really use it for other needs. On a personal note, Kim & I need to raise $16,000 for adoption too, so a family fundraiser is also needed. Thanks for your ideas and willingness. Let's keep chatting!
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
We are still able to sell the books, as that portion of the business plan has been approved. Not sure we are going to be aggressive enough as sales people to make that portion enough to cover costs (as we aren't there primarily to make a profit). However, I am hoping the donation jar will be enough. Thanks for your encouragement.
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
Peace,
Jamie (Comment this)
Phil
philnamy.com (Comment this)
Peace,
Jamie
P.S. You don't have to use the Anonymous feature. You choose "other" and have your website linked. FYI (Comment this)