Getting people out of homelessness is one challenge.
Keeping them housed is another. Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan works on both, and a new grant from Members First Credit Union (M1) will help it do more.
M1 is awarding $15,000 in grant funds to the organization through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis‘ Community Multiplier – Member Match program. The credit union put in $3,750, which unlocked a 4-to-1 match from FHLBank Indianapolis. The total comes to $18,750 for services that help residents of affordable housing stay stable and keep their homes.
Where the money goes
The grant backs Rescue Ministries’ Impact Shelter Program, which serves guests at its City Rescue Mission. Here’s what the program covers:
- Individualized case management
- Life-skills instruction
- Housing-placement assistance
- Impact Designs, available once a participant secures permanent housing, with move-in help, donated furniture, household essentials and follow-up case management
Each apartment is personalized around the participant’s needs and preferences, so it feels like a home and not just a place to sleep. The approach seems to work: 90% of guests who receive Impact Designs services are still stably housed two years later.
What the leaders are saying
M1 CEO Carrie Iafrate said the credit union is honored to team up with FHLBank Indianapolis to multiply its community impact. “Our combined $18,750 investment supports Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan’s vital work, ensuring our vulnerable neighbors receive the emergency shelter, wraparound care, and stable foundation they need to achieve lasting independence – at home,” she said. “At M1, we are deeply dedicated to encouraging a better tomorrow and putting the philosophy of ‘people helping people’ into action.”
Dan Streeter, CEO of Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan, said the funding means a great deal. “We are extremely grateful for the partnership with Members First Credit Union and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis for providing this grant which will allow us to provide a stable place of residency for our homeless neighbors. A place they can call ‘home’! This investment will help provide a safe place for families in need with the hope that they will never have to experience homelessness again.”
For people in the Mid-Michigan community, this means a local credit union and a regional bank are putting money toward the kind of support that helps neighbors stay housed for the long haul, not just get through the door. If you want to help, Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan is the place to start.