FLATBREAD PIZZA CUTS MERCY HOUSING A SLICE OF THE PIE

HARTFORD – Flatbread Company, a wholesome pizza restaurant in Canton, is donating $3.50 for each large pizza sold on Feb. 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. to benefit Mercy Housing and Shelter Corp., a nonprofit agency that provides housing assistance and supportive services to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Mercy Housing operates six programs, helping 8,000 people a year, in Hartford, Middlesex and Tolland counties. In addition to housing, the agency offers such supportive services as food, clothing, medical care, counseling, education, job training and job placement.

Of its six programs, Mercy Housing operates two transitional living homes: 58-unit St. Elizabeth House in Hartford and 70-unit Shepherd Home in Middletown. The Friendship Center in St. Elizabeth House serves the community with two meals a day, six days a week, in addition to a clothing closet, food pantry, showers and medical care. About 250 people a day visit the center.

“Mercy Housing helps its clients become independent so they may live and work with dignity and respect,” said Sister Patricia McKeon, executive director. “And we are thrilled that Flatbread recognizes what we’re doing and is helping us raise funds in these difficult times.”

Flatbread, in The Shoppes at Farmington Valley, cooks with the freshest ingredients available: local organic produce, and free range and clean meats. It’s pizza sauce is made in a wood fired cauldron and pizzas are cooked in a hand built wood- fired clay oven.

Flatbread’s family-friendly atmosphere is relaxed and earthy. Children are given crayons and are encouraged to make artwork that adorns the covers of Flatbread’s menus. Mercy plans to add to the ambience with acoustic music, in addition to a raffle on Feb. 17. To reserve a seat, call Flatbread at (860) 693-3314.

Mercy Housing and Shelter Corp. 211 Wethersfield Ave. Hartford CT 06114