Roadside Moon has closed. Offering free food, clothes, and other items to community members in need, the pantry was organized by Amy Ruth Crevola last year – and it stirred both local controversy and national press.
Crevola made the announcement late last week, posting to social media, “My heart craves solidarity and connection with those around me. I have seen so many needs in my own front yard, and have had the great joy of filling a few along the way. Now it is time for me to look inward and care for myself. Because this got TOO BIG for one person (even with so much support– thank you Pantry Elves!).”
She also said there would still be a small sidewalk pantry, posting “It we will continue to keep stocked the basics such as socks, condoms, hygiene supplies, tampons, water, and healthy snacks.” Crevola also said she would conduct six free garage sales a year.
She had been running the pantry from her Northwest Corvallis home – the goods had been placed on tables and shelves in Crevola’s driveway, and folks were welcome to take whatever they’d like 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Located on NW Sycamore Ave. between 9th and Highland, it’s surrounded by modest single-family homes that have increasingly been fixed up over the last few years, and a mix of low and middle income apartments.
Last year, four neighbors filed complaints with the city concerning the operation, and in a June 2 letter to Crevola, the city advised her she would need to bring Roadside Moon into compliance with the usual codes for a residential neighborhood in the city, or potentially face fines. The city also offered to classify Roadside Moon as an at-home business.
National press, and even local outlets, misreported that the city was trying to justify closing the operation by calling it a business, when in fact, the city had offered to classify it as an at-home business as a means of allowing Crevola to continue the effort.
Social media response wished Crevola well, and offered many thanks.
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