Press release from The Lutheran Foundation:
Seeing needy women and children with no place to go will be a thing of the past thanks to a model homeless shelter that is being planned by Charis House, a division of the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission Ministries. Selected as a recipient of The Lutheran Foundation grant, the Charis House construction that is targeted to start in late August can now be realized. The shelter, to be located on Fairmont Place off of Wells Street, will replace the existing 42-bed Charis House on Washington Boulevard and provide shelter for 78 women and children.
Marcia Haaff, Executive Director of The Lutheran Foundation shares that “Charis House was selected not only because of the demonstrated need in our community for this resource, but also the confidence that we have in Charis House’s ability to serve the growing needs of the homeless through a faith-based approach”. Charis House has provided care for homeless women and children since 1980 and its current facility is inadequate due to the increased demand.
This funding is essential to our ability to execute on our dream of ensuring that every woman and child in need of food, clothing and shelter has a resource in our community to transform their lives. “We are not just an emergency homeless shelter,” shared Patty Crisp, Pastor and President of Charis House. “Our goal is to provide immediate relief from danger, hunger, fear and suffering – while also incorporating life changing programs. All of our work is done with the love of Jesus Christ and in a safe environment to provide valuable skills that ensure a bright future.”
Rebecca, a graduate of the Charis House Intensive Restoration program says it best, “Participating in the Intensive Program is the best thing that ever happened to me. I’ve learned to care about myself, to set goals and achieve them, and to live God’s way”.
If you would like to learn more about the Charis House or to volunteer, please contact Sherry Lawson via e-mail or at (260) 426-8123. The Charis House will be announcing additional fundraising events in the near future and any community support is greatly appreciated.
About Charis House
Charis House is a model homeless shelter for women and children of all ages. It provides comprehensive services to meet the needs of each woman spiritually, emotionally, physically or educationally, based on individual assessments with the goal of stopping the generational pattern of homelessness. Serving Allen County and the surrounding region, Charis House has focused on placing Jesus Christ first in all of its work since its founding in 1980. Each year, more than 130 women and children receive care through the Charis House. Charis House is located in Fort Wayne, IN. To learn more visit the Charis House website.
About The Lutheran Foundation
Since, 1996 The Lutheran Foundation has awarded more than $105 million through Regular, Partnership and Emergency Grants to congregations and non-profit organizations within its 10-county service area. The Lutheran Foundation is a public charity, which represents 96 Lutheran congregations located throughout Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, and Whitley counties. Guided by Christ, and given new and unique ways to share His compassion, the Foundation’s vision continues to evolve through the efforts of its Member Congregations, Board of Directors, and Staff. Grantmaking is the most visible of the Foundation’s activities. The Foundation offers Regular Grants (including Capital), Partnership Grants, and Emergency Grants. In addition, the Foundation manages a variety of restricted funds, with disbursements made regularly according to the funds’ established guidelines. To learn more visit The Lutheran Foundation website.
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