The Starfish Project, a popular charitable nonprofit in Olathe, still doesn’t have a new home to move to, but now has three more weeks to secure one.
Joni Moreland, who founded the nonprofit, said Starfish’s landlords gave them until May 22 to vacate its location near K-7 and Santa Fe Street — about three weeks longer than its original deadline.
The extension gives the organization more time to continue to serve the hundreds of community members who rely on it daily while finding its next location.
The Starfish Project provides free clothes, food, hygiene products for community members in need. In March, Starfish distributed 15,573 pounds of household goods.
On the second Saturday of every month it also provides lunch, haircuts and health screenings.
Growth led to move last year
Moreland started the Starfish Project with her husband, Thomas, in 2014 to fill gaps in community resources in Olathe.
In January, the organization announced it would have to move from its current spot at K-7 and Santa Fe after less than a year.
Starfish had to leave their old location on Clairborne Road after eight years at that spot, after city acquired the land as part of the I-35 and Santa Fe interchange project.
This time, it was Starfish’s growth that led to the need to relocate. The other businesses in the area raised concerns about traffic and parking. Hundreds to thousands of people visit it every day.
Starfish’s landlords originally gave them 90 days to vacate, which would have made their move-out date May 2, but last week, they gave them an extension.
Search underway for new location
Now, with just over a month before the new deadline, the organization has a little more time to secure its next location.
And while nothing is finalized, Moreland said she’s looking at a few options.
“We are in the process of securing a temporary location and also have a couple of opportunities that we’re looking at for a permanent location,” she said.
The organization is seeking a space that can accommodate its growing demand, ideally with at least 10,000 square feet, loading docks and sufficient parking while still providing a dignified shopping experience for clients.
If they are unable to find its permanent home by their move-out date, Moreland said they have a temporary location lined up. But it would mean Starfish would have to reduce its services.
“If we go into a temporary location, the only thing we’d be able to provide is food,” Moreland said. “All the rest of the services would be cut until we get into a new location and back up and running.”
Moreland said their goal was to stay in Olathe, which she says appears likely.
And while moving again isn’t ideal, Moreland said a new, larger location would allow the organization to continue to grow.
“We’ll be able to serve even more in a larger location,” she said.
She said she heard from patrons about services they believe are lacking, which she’s looking to address. One of those services will be more individualized support for families, something Moreland said they couldn’t prioritize as the organization grew.
“We want to get back to doing that so we can really provide and have some follow up with them to make sure that they’re getting the services that they need.”
Starfish will have to temporarily pause accepting non-food donations after April 30.
