HUGHSON -- Hughson's new community resources center will open for business Thursday.

The buildings, on both sides of Third Street at Elm Street, house a medical clinic and pharmacy, a public library branch, community center and computer lab, a food bank and clothes closet, and a cafe and kitchen for a charity food service.

"I think it really increases opportunities for community members," City Manager Dave Whiteside said. "It's a really nice project."

The United Samaritans Foundation, which runs vans delivering food to needy families, will prepare those meals at the new center. The foundation is outgrowing the kitchen at St. Anthony's Catholic Church.

"The quality of help in the community is going to far exceed what it was in the past," said John Rogers, president of United Samaritans.

The unique combination of the city, Stanislaus County and a private charity sharing space resulted from a series of community discussions 21/2 years ago.

"This came about because of donations from local people and endowments from foundations," Rogers said.

The open house will be Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee