By Eva Trieger
SAN DIEGO-Sometimes life can feel pretty cruel. We have each had those moments when we feel stricken or have lost our compass. For many of us, we have the benefit of family or friends to whom we can turn. But what about those of us who are on their own? What must it be like to have no family and to find yourself homeless or without a job? Such problems are the raison d’etre for Gmach, the Jewish pantry, its name an acronym for “Gemilut Chasadim” or “Deeds of loving-kindness.” “We want to provide opportunities while maintaining one’s dignity” said Helene Bortz, founder and driving force behind the institution.
The word “pantry” conjures up a supply of canned goods such as comfort foods, staples or cooking gadgets. These are only the most basic items that Gmach provides. Its warehouse in the Miramar neighborhood of San Diego also stocks clothing and furniture for anyone in need. All one has to do is show up and take what he/she requires. However the “Gmach Girls,” as Helene Bortz and Myrice Goldberg have been dubbed, are about providing far more than these rudimentary items.
This organization was created when Helene Bortz noted that larger Jewish communities all had a Gmach that served those in need. She had seen the fragmented model…this person offered only shoes, another, only baby carriages…but what, said Bortz, if “I could offer everything under one roof”? This was the seed of an idea. As that seed germinated, the idea began to grow.
Bortz and Goldberg began to meet clients who needed help with more than material items: urgent medical or dental care, career training, a safe house for an abused wife, or a homeless young mother. Over 220 families in San Diego have received support from the Gmach, in tangible and intangible ways. But the need is great, and the requests are endless. Both of these devoted women told me that they see the hand of G-d at work near daily. One day someone will call them or come to them needing a specific item, and the very next day, that specific product or service is donated. They knew they were in the right line of work when a woman rescued from an untenable situation told them, “I would have returned to my abusive home if not for Gmach.”
Gmach knows no limits. They arrange for emergency funding when a lease needs to be signed. Advocates accompany clients to court and provide for the costly legal aid. Retired businessmen take others under their wings and teach the unskilled the ropes so that they are employable. Some of these Jewish Family Service may provide, but the wheels sometimes move slowly and when time is of the essence, an evicted person cannot wait two weeks. When an abscessed tooth cannot be treated because a form must be filed, or approval must be granted from more than one source, a client needs immediate attention. This is the niche the Gmach yearns to fill, says Goldberg. However, these two focused and committed women cannot do it alone.
In the short term, volunteers are needed. College internships or senior high school students might earn community service hours by providing staffing and technology. Goldberg noted, “We’d love to have someone maintain a website and create a data base.” Gmach has done some outreach to local areas schools, the Ken, Tarbuton and Hillel House. They often overlap with Project Sarah, local shuls, and Jewish Family Service.
A couple of years ago the Leichtag Foundation graciously decided to nurture the fledgling enterprise by providing two years of paid rent for the warehouse just off Miramar Boulevard. This was an incredible gift, and really allowed the Gmach to come to fruition. The two years will end this October. Fundraising ideas are in place to keep the wolf from the door.
Our community is so rich in spirit and concern, as well as material goods, and while tzedakah is a commandment, nurturing a fellow human to independence is the greatest mitzvah. You may learn more about this organization for community caring and well being by visiting Gmach at 8811 Production Blvd. on Mondays, Thursdays and the first Sunday of each month.
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Trieger is a freelance writer based in San Diego. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com