Residents of Altona and the surrounding area will soon have access to a new resource hub called The Community Exchange.

The idea is rooted in a broader vision for the town's future that encompasses a safe, neutral community-owned space to serves all citizens.

Cal Funk is board chair for the 10-person steering committee. 

"We recently registered our name and we are The Community exchange. Our focus is to find ways, find pathways to bring us together as community, people from all walks of life, from various socioeconomic backgrounds, various ethnic groups, gender identities. Just a safe and affirming place for people to connect to in the community of Altona."

While the group may offer some programming, it's main focus will be to act as an incubator where others can gather to work out their vision for the community.

"Along with that, the hope is, in the future, we also want to be a hub, a place where people can come to if they're looking to access resources within the community. That could be anything from somebody new to the community that's wondering if there's a faith community or church that they can plug into, to people who are looking for other types of resources, whether it's recreational or if it's government services or if it's family related or legal or financial or any of the various resources that we all need at different points of time."

Ultimately, explains Funk, what the center offers will be determined by considering opportunities unique to the area and the people who want to bring them to fruition. 

The venture is focusing on three key areas.

"One of them is food gatherings. Everything from community meals, working with some of our newcomers to our community, and having pop-up food markets where we have an opportunity to go to one location and experience a wide variety of ethnic foods. But it could also include a cafe where the people can stop by and have a coffee and a muffin, and maybe just have a conversation about life."

Other key areas include serving as a hub for people to work out ideas for the community or find help in identifying local resources, as well as offering a place where people from all walks of life can gather to hear each others stories and learn together. 

The formal launch for this incorporated charitable entity is planned for this fall, using the building on Main Street that currently houses the Seeds church. 

Further information is available by emailing community.exchange2022@gmail.com