Dignity
Every neighbor is welcomed with respect. The pantry, the Resource Center, and every program are built to serve people, not numbers.
About Us
Grounded in Faith. Built for Our Neighbors.
Downtown Churches United, Inc. — the organization behind the DCU Hope Center — has served Petersburg since 1969, uniting local churches around one calling: meeting essential needs with dignity.
Our mission
Downtown Churches United exists to serve our neighbors in Petersburg with dignity — providing food, resources, and hope through the DCU Hope Center, in partnership with the churches and community organizations that make this work possible.
Faith in action
Our service is rooted in the shared values of Petersburg's downtown churches — putting compassion to work where it is needed most.
Partnership
We do this work together. Churches, businesses, volunteers, and community organizations each play a part in the Hope Center's mission.
Our story since 1969
For more than five decades, Downtown Churches United has been a steady presence in Petersburg — adapting to meet the community's changing needs while holding to the same calling. The detailed history below is a starting point, to be expanded as staff confirm the milestones and dates.
Downtown Churches United is founded, uniting Petersburg's downtown churches in shared service to the community.
The DCU Hope Center carries that mission forward — a food pantry, a community Resource Center, volunteer programs, and partnerships that strengthen Petersburg week after week.
Milestones between 1969 and today will be added as the organization's records and longtime members confirm them.
Our leadership
Two leaders guide the work of Downtown Churches United and the DCU Hope Center.
Biography & photo pending approval
Vonne Cade
Executive Director
Space reserved for Vonne Cade's approved biography and photograph. A brief biography and photo will appear here once submitted and approved.
Biography & photo pending approval
Maxcine Walker
President
Space reserved for Maxcine Walker's approved biography and photograph. A brief biography and photo will appear here once submitted and approved.
Our team
The people who keep the Hope Center running day after day.
Sheron "Cookie" Bell
Food Pantry Manager
Willie Davis
Food Pantry Assistant
Annette Tervalon
Program Specialist
Solomon Hill III
Communications & Program Specialist
Laihairoi Seward
Facilities Coordinator
LuAnn Clark
Bookkeeper
Team biographies and photographs will be added as they are approved by each staff member.
Resident volunteers
Neighbors who give their time and talents right here at the Hope Center.
Linda Ruffin
Public Assistance Coordinator
Rose
Meal Distribution & Clothing Drive Coordinator
Resident volunteer profiles will grow as more neighbors join.
Who makes it possible
The Hope Center's work is carried by our partner churches, businesses, and community organizations. Partner names and details will be listed here as approvals come in.
A complete partner listing is being prepared and will be published once each organization has approved its inclusion.