Commonpoint Queens opens long-awaited Elmhurst service hub

Commonpoint Queens leaders cut the ribbon on the organization’s new Elmhurst Hub. Photo via Commonpoint

By David Brand

Commonpoint Queens cut the ribbon on a brand new social service hub in Elmhurst Tuesday, six months after the COVID crisis forced the organization to suspend its initial opening plan 

The new site, known as the Hub, will provide job training, legal counseling, a food pantry and classes for English-language learners — crucial services during the dual health and economic crises of COVID-19. 

The Hub’s services reflect the impact of COVID-19 in Elmhurst and surrounding communities. Digital kiosks allow clients to access and place orders at the Hub’s food pantry. New shipments of food will be delivered to the site twice a day, allowing clients to pick up their orders without having to miss work or appointments. 

“It is all of our responsibilities to ensure that no one be kept from their dreams — a job paying a living wage, graduating from high school or providing food for their family,” said Commonpoint Executive Director Danielle Ellman ahead of the April opening plan. “Together we can remove the barriers that may be preventing someone from reaching their goals.”

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng and State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky all provided videos for the virtual kick-off event.

“Whether it be putting food on the table or helping with loans or legal issues, Queens’ Commonpoint has always been there when people need it,” Stavisky said.

Commonpoint has continued serving Queens residents from its sites in Bay Terrace, Forest Hills and Little Neck since the start of the pandemic.

The new Hub was made possible with $10 million in funding from UJA-Federation Queens, which backs social service organizations.

“Wwith the current pandemic, there’s never been a more pressing need in our lifetimes for this kind of support,” said UJA-Federation of New York CEO Eric Goldstein. “Now, thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers can visit the Hub and receive comprehensive services in one place dramatically benefitting themselves and their families.”