People Center's campaign to buy leased houses at halfway point

Wed, Feb 3, 2010    to del.icio.us

SPRING LAKE — The People Center has launched a fundraising campaign to purchase the three homes it leases from Christ Community Church for its emergency housing program.

The Neighbor Helping Neighbor Campaign recently received a $75,000 challenge grant from the Marion A. and Ruth K. Sherwood Foundation of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. This challenge grant has been successfully satisfied, People Center officials said in a statement Tuesday.

The People Center was also awarded a $50,000 grant from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation's Greatest Needs Fund; and, with further assistance from many local donors, the campaign has successfully raised half of the funds necessary to complete the purchase.

In addition, The Loutit Foundation recently offered The People Center a challenge grant: If The People Center can raise an additional $50,000, the foundation will donate $25,000 towards the purchase.

"We want our neighbors in the community to know the need for The People Center programs has never been greater," Director Karen Reenders said Tuesday. "Owning these houses is a huge step for the organization and its outreach to the community."

To make a tax-deductible contribution to the fundraising campaign, mail donations to: The People Center, P.O. Box 311, Spring Lake, MI 49456. Donations can also be made online at www.thepeoplecenter.org

For more information on The People Center and its service to the community, call Reenders, at 844-6710.