After 44 years at 14th and E Street, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties is preparing to move The Gathering Place to a larger location. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Monday at 10:30 a.m. near 12th and ‘F’ Streets where renovations will transform the building into it’s new home.
The organization says the move is needed as demand for free meals continues to grow in Lincoln. The Gathering Place served more than 55,000 meals in 2025, an average of more than 150 meals each night.
Since 2021, the number of meals served has increased by more than 80 percent, while the current facility has remained largely the same size. The current kitchen is just 120 square feet. Gathering Place Administrator Lisa Janssen says the larger facility will allow the organization to better meet the growing need while maintaining a safe and welcoming place for people to gather.
The new location will provide roughly twice the space, including a larger kitchen and dining area, improved storage and an elevator. It will also include space where guests can meet with staff for services such as case management, SNAP outreach and tenant rights assistance.