Massachusetts’ Soup Kitchen Deploys State-of-the-Art Security System

Rhea-AI Summary

My Brother’s Table (MBT), the largest soup kitchen on Massachusetts’ North Shore, has upgraded to a new security system to enhance safety and efficiency. The solution includes advanced megapixel cameras and network video intercoms, enabling remote access control and improved monitoring capabilities across the facility. Serving over 80,000 meals monthly, MBT relies on this technology to support its limited staff and maintain a welcoming environment, especially during peak times. The upgrade was essential to ensure continued service amid ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19.

Positive

• Installation of a comprehensive security system improves safety and efficiency.
• New technology supports limited staff in monitoring the facility.
• System upgrades enhance meal service during busy periods.

Negative

• None.

The organization installed a comprehensive security system, enabling them to efficiently monitor the facility with limited staff

CHELMSFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- My Brother’s Table (MBT), the largest soup kitchen on Massachusetts’ North Shore, has replaced its analog surveillance cameras with a new state-of-the-art security solution – enhancing safety and efficiency at the facility and alleviating the workload of its lean staff.

Employees and volunteers at My Brother's Table soup kitchen (Lynn, Massachusetts) serve more than 80,000 meals each month to those in need. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Being so understaffed, we rely heavily on our new technology to keep our volunteers, service providers, and patrons safe wherever they are in this huge facility,” said Dianne Hills, executive director of My Brother’s Table. “We can see what’s happening in all the different corners, control access to specific doors, and still create a welcoming atmosphere for our patrons. Having the new system for the holidays was especially appreciated because it helped us maintain a warm, open setting during the busiest, most important time of the year.”

Located in Lynn Massachusetts, My Brother’s Table was founded in 1982 and is the largest soup kitchen on the North Shore, providing more than 80,000 free meals each month to those in need. Since its founding, MBT has served more than 5 million meals, and is staffed by two full-time employees and a handful of volunteers. In addition to its work serving meals to the hungry, MBT also supports an onsite clinic to address health concerns.

MBT turned to K&M Communications, an integrated security solutions provider, when its analog cameras and intercoms stopped functioning. Part of this “rip-and-replace” project included installing new megapixel cameras, ensuring coverage where there had been none before. To improve door security, old intercoms were replaced with new network video intercoms, which were linked to door controllers, allowing for remote activation. Additionally, keycard readers were installed at designated doors, enabling staff, volunteers, and service providers to securely gain entry to the facility. The new comprehensive solution combines video surveillance and access control, improving coverage of MBT’s interior spaces, parking lot, and surrounding streets on a platform that is easily accessed and operated by the staff.

This new, integrated system is designed for flexible operation, as staff can view the cameras, communicate with visitors from the video intercoms installed at door entries, and unlock doors all on a desktop or through a smartphone app. According to Hills, these capabilities are particularly valuable as staff can program the guest door to remain locked during meal serving hours, when staff are unable to monitor entrances. At other times, volunteers at the reception desk can use the app’s intuitive, touch-based controls to communicate and screen people at the entrance, reminding them to wear masks or other protective gear before allowing them access.

Since COVID-19 forced MBT to switch from indoor dining to meals-to-go, the facility uses one of its new outdoor cameras to monitor the crowd lining up on the street. This enables them to take attendance in real-time, without sending a staff member outside, to see how many guests are still waiting outside to pick up meals. With the socioeconomic challenges presented by the pandemic, it was essential for MBT to continue its service to the public – which averaged between 80,000 and 90,000 meals served each month during 2021.

“Food insecurity continues to be a problem for our community, whether it’s families unable to stretch their budget, people who are homeless or the elderly,” says Hills. “But thanks to generous public donations, selfless volunteers, and our new security technology, we’ve been able to provide a safe and secure place for them to turn.”

About Axis Communications
Axis enables a smarter and safer world by creating network solutions that provide insights for improving security and new ways of doing business. As the industry leader in network video, Axis offers products and services for video surveillance and analytics, access control, intercom and audio systems. Axis has more than 3,8​00 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984 and has its headquarters in Lund, Sweden. For more information about Axis, please visit our website www.axis.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220118005026/en/

Chris Shanelaris, Public Relations Manager, Americas

Phone: (978) 614-3023

E-mail: chris.shanelaris@axis.com

Source: Axis Communications

FAQ

What upgrades has My Brother’s Table implemented recently?

My Brother’s Table has installed a new security system with advanced cameras and intercoms to enhance safety and efficiency.

How many meals does My Brother’s Table serve monthly?

My Brother’s Table serves over 80,000 meals each month to those in need.

What challenges did My Brother’s Table face during COVID-19?

Due to COVID-19, My Brother’s Table transitioned from indoor dining to meals-to-go, necessitating enhanced monitoring of outdoor queues.

Who provided the new security technology for My Brother’s Table?

K&M Communications was the provider of the new integrated security solutions for My Brother’s Table.

Why is the new security system important for My Brother’s Table?

The new security system is crucial for ensuring the safety of volunteers and patrons, allowing staff to monitor the facility effectively despite being understaffed.