‘A space for everybody’: Friends of the Carpenter looks to rejuvenate space, expand services

“Our heart is to really leverage the space that we’ve been blessed with for the good of our community,” Hammond said. “As long as I’m here, I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that happens.”

New pathway

When Hammond took the helm in April, he began rebranding the organization and refining its message to better define its role within the community.

“We’ve had some really good peaks and then some small dips. But that’s life as a nonprofit,” Hammond said.

Hammond’s background as a pastor, combined with a lifelong passion for woodworking, made Friends of the Carpenter fit like a glove.

A cornerstone of Friends of the Carpenter is its woodworking shop, where people of all ages and backgrounds can gain skills in carpentry and other trades. The program serves a myriad group — students eager to explore science, technology, engineering and math, as well as adults interested in honing their woodworking expertise.

Looking ahead, Hammond plans to expand the program in 2025 with the introduction of a makers’ program, which is still in its early stages.

“It’s going to be for people coming from socially excluded spaces,” Hammond said. “This will be for those who have lived experiences, whether that’s on the streets, from communities of color, or the queer community — people who want a traditional pathway to woodworking but may not have opportunities in other settings.”

Hammond is also working to secure funding to bring in guest instructors from these communities. The nonprofit recently purchased a CNC machine, which is computer operated and can be used to cut, print and create goods.

In addition to the woodworking program, the organization runs a day center that provides meals, a safe place to hang out, showers and a laundry room.

Currently, these services are available three days a week, but Hammond’s goal for next year is to extend them to five days, which will require additional funding and volunteer support.

A safe place to be

Nancy Cralley’s fingers gently traced the intricate details of a piece of wood she crafted with a friend to look like a lighthouse. Its smooth surface is a testament to her hours of careful work.

Cralley, 82, began visiting the nonprofit a couple of years ago. Initially, she would drop off her son. But after a few visits, she realized it could be a good fit for her, too.

Now, the two regularly visit to enjoy arts and crafts, morning devotions and meals.

“This is a venue where everyone is welcome,” Cralley said. “It’s a place for people, like my son, to come and make friends and a place for homeless people to go during the day. It gives people pleasure and a purpose.”

Staff and volunteers say they strive to create a warm and welcoming place for all guests.

“We make sure people are seen and heard,” Program Coordinator Danielle Gain said. “We greet people by their first names and make sure they feel important and wanted. This place is a safe space for people to come, hang out and get resources.”

While chatting with The Columbian, a man walked in looking for a program that wasn’t offered that day. But staff member Stacy Price still warmly welcomed him to the day center to grab a bite to eat and coffee. Later, the man was found sipping a warm cup of coffee and chatting with others in the day center.

“We want to make sure that people feel welcomed, safe and included. We do not want faith-based equaling hate or exclusion. We want faith-based equaling love and inclusion,” Hammond said. “We want to be able to make this a space for everybody.”