Thanks to a generous donation from the Lenon family, the local non-profit Family Health Care Amigos has been able to purchase the Lenon Building in downtown Patagonia.
FH Amigos has become an important part of the community as a sponsor for The Lending Shed, making available durable medical equipment and adult incontinent supplies free of charge to residents in southeastern Santa Cruz County. When polled, seniors in southern Arizona report that the need for durable medical equipment is a top priority in their lives and it is that need which has helped the organization grow.
The Lending Shed started operating in an 8 x 10 shed behind senior housing about five years ago. Two years ago, it moved to a storefront in Plaza de Patagonia. Their service area has increased from 12 clients in Patagonia in its first year in operation to over 200
clients in all of Santa Cruz County and parts of Cochise County in 2018.
The purchase of The Lenon Building at 327 West McKeown gives the non-profit an opportunity to have a permanent location for its administrative offices as well as a new home for The Lending Shed. Hoping to become self-sufficient and decrease dependence on grants and donations, FHAmigos is planning to launch The Purple Elephant Thrift Shoppe, a gently used furniture and art store in their new location in spring of 2020.
Grants are being written with the hopes of obtaining rehabilitation money to bring the building up to commercial code. These plans are estimated to cost $100,000 and include a new ramp on the eastern part of downtown to accommodate wheelchairs and rolling walkers so that mobility challenged visitors can gather with friends and family to shop and dine.
Plans also include a large American with Disabilities Act (ADA) bathroom for use by the public during its hours of operation.
The non-profit hopes that its focus on seniors, residents and tourists who are unable to currently access our shops and restaurants will bring this segment of our population to downtown, so that all may enjoy what is uniquely (and some would say quirky) Patagonia.
All this expansion requires funding and committed volunteers. Donations are happily accepted and are tax deductible. Residents who feel passionately about seniors and the
mobility challenged are encouraged to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Gently used furniture and art is sought and will need to be transported to the shop. Volunteers will be needed to (wo)man the shop Wednesday through Saturday.
For more information, contact FH Amigos at 520.603.7330