Project MEND to build larger facility at the Medical Center
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Project MEND, a nonprofit that refurbishes medical equipment for people with disabilities, plans to build a new facility by the end of next year at the Medical Center.
The larger space — 18,000 square feet — will allow Project MEND to house more inventory of donated medical and assistive technology devices. The organization rehabilitates the equipment for people in need, including those who can’t afford it or whose insurance can’t cover it.
The building, expected to cost $2.5 million, will be constructed on land donated by developer GrayStreet Partners, which will demolish the organization’s existing warehouse at 1201 Austin Street in the Government Hill area, east of the Pearl. GrayStreet is a major real estate developer in the fast-growing area.
Project MEND said Tuesday it has launched a $3.2 million capital campaign. Already pledged are donations of $750,000 from the Kronkosky Foundation, plus $250,000 if the amount is matched; $500,000 from San Antonio philanthropist Harvey Najim; and $500,000 from Bexar County.
Project MEND said the building will be second largest medical equipment reuse facility in the U.S. and the largest in Texas. The announcement coincides with the organization’s 25-year anniversary in Bexar County.
By LAUREN CARUBA
Lauren Carube covers health care and medicine in the San Antonio and Bexar County area.
EVERY MOMENT COUNTS
The staff and Board of Directors of Project MEND have unanimously agreed to move forward with a $3.2 million dollar capital campaign to build a headquarters that will combine program staff and our warehouse in one building in order to greatly enhance the experience of our customers and expand the numbers we serve.
For the first time in years, customers will be able to see their case worker again, tell them about their needs, fill out the needed paperwork and receive their equipment all in the same place, often in the same day, just like before.
