GRAND ISLAND, Neb.—A shelter for homeless and near-homeless women, children and families has embarked on a fundraiser whose goal is to raise $150,000 before the end of the year.
If Hope Harbor raises the money, it will receive a $100,000 challenge grant from the Peter Kiewit Foundation, said Marvin Andersen, the shelter’s board president.
Asked what it will take to raise the money, Andersen said: “A miracle.”
Hope Harbor’s goal this year is to buy its building from St. Mary’s Cathedral, which formerly used it as a convent.
Andersen said the shelter has raised $600,000 so far this year.
Most of the additional money probably would have to come from large donors, but Hope Harbor welcomes any gift, Andersen said.
Before beginning the campaign, Hope Harbor’s board of directors decided purchasing and updating its existing building was more feasible than constructing a new facility. The building’s dormitory-style rooms are well-suited to Hope Harbor’s needs, and its location is ideal, Andersen said.
If Hope Harbor earns the challenge grant, it will purchase the facility as well as upgrade the HVAC, electrical system, plumbing, insulation, exterior windows and doors, kitchen ceiling, roof, downspouts and gutters. It will also be able to add restrooms for disabled residents.
“Hope Harbor is hoping there may yet be an angel or angels that could donate the last $150,000 and make a miracle happen for Hope Harbor this Christmas season,” Andersen wrote in a news release.
Hope Harbor serves families, women and children who have become homeless because of injury or illness, domestic violence or abuse, unemployment, lack of affordable housing. The average stay is one to six months.
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Information from: The Grand Island Independent,
