[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 19, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E261-E262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE BURBANK TEMPORARY AID CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2024

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Burbank Temporary 
Aid Center (BTAC) in Burbank, California, upon its fiftieth 
anniversary.
  The Burbank Temporary Aid Center was founded in 1974 when the Burbank 
Ministerial Association saw the need for a centralized source of 
services to provide assistance to those in the Burbank community who 
were less fortunate. Under the leadership of the late Reverend Larry 
Stamper, the association worked with various community members to 
create a center to address these needs. Originally located in one of 
the founders' garage and having operated out of several different 
buildings in Burbank, in the 1990s, BTAC relocated to a storefront 
property on Burbank Boulevard. After a building effort which spanned 18 
months, in 2006, BTAC unveiled its remodeled and expanded facility 
which included several features, such as a modernized food pantry, to 
better provide for its clients.
  Over the years the center has adapted in response to the changing 
needs of the community. With its original mission to provide food and 
clothing to housed residents of Burbank, services have expanded to 
include un-housed residents, and short-term assistance is now a long-
term necessity for some people in the community. Among those receiving 
help are retired adults, people impacted by labor strikes, individuals 
and families, and refugees.
  The center's main service is as a food pantry. For those with access 
to a kitchen, BTAC offers a robust monthly grocery program, with the 
option to personalize each order based on the household. To support the 
unhoused community, sack lunches are offered to ensure their 
nutritional needs are fulfilled. At the facility, personal hygiene 
items are distributed, and there are shower facilities and laundry 
machines available for use at no cost.
  The Burbank Temporary Aid Center is funded by donations from 
foundations, religious institutions, private individuals, and service 
organizations. BTAC receives donations of hygiene items and food from 
various businesses, service clubs and local churches, in addition to 
daily and weekly donations from major grocery stores.

[[Page E262]]

  It is my great privilege to represent BTAC in my Congressional 
District. My commendations to longtime Executive Director Barbara 
Howell, BTAC staff, the Board of Directors and all the volunteers for 
their dedicated and outstanding service to the Burbank community.
  I ask all Members to join me in congratulating the Burbank Temporary 
Aid Center upon its fiftieth anniversary.

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