Mano a Mano plans to turn NE Salem church into a community center

After years hosting playdates and programs for families, a northeast Salem church is converting into a community hub for the Lansing neighborhood.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church leaders have offered to sell their building at 1998 Lansing Ave. N.E. to social services nonprofit Mano a Mano for an expansion of its programs serving youth and families. The church will continue operating in the building sanctuary under an agreement with Mano a Mano.

“More than anything our goal is really creating a safe community gathering space,” said Levi Herrera-Lopez, executive director of Mano a Mano.

The sale would build on a decade-old relationship between the church and Mano a Mano. The nonprofit’s Casa Infantil program, which supports families and young children, has long been housed at the church. That