Albemarle Resource Center

The Albemarle Resource Center first opened it's doors in 1999. It all began when the leaders of a small local church read an article in the USA Today Publication stating that ,"One in five of Elizabeth City residents live below the poverty level." A study also revealed that Pasquotank County was 54% above the national average for single female head of household. The ARC was born out of a desire to reverse the cycle of poverty by serving our community. Our desire is to help implement and create opportunities for successful family living, free of charge and "No Strings Attached". The ARC began in a small old building that was formerly a car wash in the downtown area of Elizabeth City. With the help of many in this community, the ARC began to distribute clothing and some food items. It wasn't long before we ran out of space and had to look for a larger facility to serve the people. A warehouse opened up in back of, "Forerunner Ministries" (Formerly "New Life Family Center") that would fit the growing need. The need for supplemental food in Elizabeth City and surrounding cities was so great that food distribution became the central focus of the Albemarle Resouce Center. Since the ARC opened it's doors in 1999, approximately 52,000 people have come through our doors! Whats Happening Today... You are making a difference in peoples lives! Each person, each family that comes through our doors is welcomed, prayed for, and given a cart full of groceries. The carts contain canned goods, breads, and an assortment of other food items to fill the carts. The "Albemarle Food Bank" of Pasquotank County works with the ARC to help provide meats, milk, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and other food items. ARC also offers assistance with personal hygiene items, household cleaning supplies, and prayer counseling to numerous households per month. All services are offered at no cost to the recipients. The ARC's volunteer staff is unique because it represents a network of area churches, schools and civic groups that work tirelessly to collect, sort and prepare the various items for distribution. Albemarle Resource Center, since its inception, has relied primarily on donation in-kind from area ministries, food banks, local stores and individuals. The financial obligations incurred by property rental, maintenance, and utilities, as well as any necessary purchases, have been absorbed by Forerunner Ministries operating budget, and pledges made by church members and community leaders. ARC has also explored avenues of funding to provide additional programs, which would aid in the development and mobilization of the community.