A Cape Coral business owner helping feed the hungry has seen an outpouring of support after she received a city citation for having an appliance in front of her building last week.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s something good for the community. Why all of a sudden is there an issue?\u201d Lee County Plumbing and Supply owner Dionne Lopez said about the Community Fridge she installed about five years ago. \u201cThe whole city and everybody in the community is in an uproar. I am overwhelmed \u2013 grateful \u2013 for all the emails, phone calls, and texts messages. The insanity \u2013 I am so grateful that everyone is backing me up on this.\u201d<\/p>\n
On March 5, a citation was put on the door of the business at 532 S.E. 47 Terrace for \u201cshelving, litter, and appliances in front of the building\u201d The Cape Coral Code Compliance Municipal Ordinance Violation stated that the appliance must be stored inside, and garbage thrown away. The citation stated that failure to comply within five days could result in a citation of $150 if not completed.<\/p>\n
Lopez said she is still waiting to hear what is going to happen. As of Monday morning the fridge was still located outside, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are bullying people to make them do whatever,\u201d she said. \u201cIf there is a code, let\u2019s go by the code. I still don\u2019t know what code has been broken. This is what has been going on \u2013 OK for five years and all of a sudden there was an issue.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lopez said the Community Fridge is an outlet for people who are in need, as paychecks do not stretch as far as they did once upon a time. It offers a supplement 24 hours a day, seven days a week.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t ask for names, information, or income. We are helping the community. Taxes are still up on housing. Gas prices are going down, coming up. The food prices are still up. There are a lot of people that unfortunately aren\u2019t making as much money as they need to in order to feed themselves,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The refrigerator is in front of the building, so people can open the fridge, take what they want, and leave what they want.<\/p>\n
Over the years, Lopez has had numerous phone calls saying \u201cBecause of you, I ate last night,\u201d or people that were once out on the streets now have a job and are bringing food to say thank you.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat little bit is enough to supplement them to help them to their next level. Sometimes even that little step helps to get to that next step, she said.<\/p>\n
Editor\u2019s note: We have reached out to the city. This story will be updated when we receive a response.<\/p>\n