Pictured, Volunteers pour concrete during the first phase of a large improvement project at Sweet Home Emergency Ministries headquarters in early June. The construction project includes extending the awning/roof line at the back of SHEM’s facility. Volunteers Roger Campbell and Erik Von Ladau prepped the forms and site area for the project, dubbed “Frozen Solid.” All the concrete pouring work was donated by Josh Darwood Construction of Sweet Home. Other local businesses, including Hoy’s Hardware and Economy Supply offered discounts for needed materials. When completed, this phase will lead into Phase 2, the construction of the extension and Phase 3 will involve securing a grant for the purchase and installation of an emergency generator, which will handle the current electrical needs of all the cooling/freezer units, as well as allow for growth in the future, according to Cindi Rice, manager. She said the improvements will also guard against a major extended electrical failure, which could result in the destruction of thousands of pounds of food. Each month, SHEM receives approximately 5,000 to 6,000 pounds of refrigerated and frozen foods for distribution. The improvements will help with plans for such an emergency. For more information about the project or about SHEM, call (541) 367-6504 or stop by on any Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday between 8 a.m. and noon.