TOPS reports sharp rise in need after SNAP pause; new building to open June 1

Sherry Martin, executive director of TOPS, delivered the organization's annual report to the council, saying the group's main focus is food access, housing stability and resource navigation. Martin said a pause in SNAP benefits last fall produced an immediate surge in demand "— a 26% increase in 2 days," which required TOPS to adjust processes and rely on community support.

Martin provided service and cost figures: TOPS served more than 1,700 households and over 4,300 individuals last year; the pantry served roughly 1,600 households and their social services program provided rent or utility assistance to 155 households. She said sheltering in hotels last winter supported 29 households (43 people) and cost the organization more than $41,000, prompting a shift toward prevention-focused uses of funds.

On funding, Martin said 61% of TOPS' income comes from individual support and highlighted a neighborhood food drive that collected over 5,100 items. She reported a cost-per-outcome metric of about $64 per household per year for all services combined and said it costs roughly $58 per household per year to feed a household.

Martin said TOPS plans to open a new building behind the current operation on June 1, with a public grand opening planned for mid-July; she said the organization intends to allow clients to settle in before showing the facility to the broader community. She thanked city staff (Jessica Green and others) for construction coordination and invited council members to the July event.

Council asked when the building would open and Martin confirmed the June 1 date; there was no formal council action related to funding or zoning tied to the report at this meeting.