FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – On Thursday, December 9th The Rescue Mission held a press conference to announce the official close of their largest fundraising project to date. Area leadership from 1st Source Bank were in attendance to present a check in the amount of $100,000 to mark the end of a successful campaign. Over $20 million was raised for the construction of the new building located at 404 E. Washington Blvd.
The announcement comes after The Rescue Mission’s board of trustees voted in October to formally close the campaign. Fundraising for the campaign began in 2017, but the global pandemic hindered a full launch of the public phase of the campaign in 2020. “It’s by the grace of God and the generosity of key partners and the community that we were able to complete the campaign and build the new site. The new facility enables us to serve the community at a higher level and connect more people to life-saving resources,” said Rev. Donovan Coley, CEO and Senior Pastor of The Rescue Mission.
Representatives with the Rescue Mission released the following:
The Rescue Mission served more than 4,500 meals during the Thanksgiving holiday alone and continues to provide over 200 beds each night to people seeking shelter. “The capital campaign may be coming to a close, but that does not mean we have stopped fundraising for other critical needs,” said Rev. Coley. “The need for financial support is greater than ever as record numbers of people are seeking our services. The building project is complete, but the battle to fight poverty and homelessness has just begun. That is why we are so grateful for community partners like 1st Source Bank.”
“1st Source recognizes the positive impact that The Rescue Mission has on our community,” said Larry Mayers, Business Banking Group Head, and Fort Wayne Region President. It’s truly an honor to partner with The Rescue Mission ensuring homes for the homeless, food for the hungry, and hope for the future of our community. At 1st Source, we believe that we are a reflection of the communities we serve and being a good community partner is a core value. It is important to us because we live, work, raise our families and worship here too.”
The Rescue Mission leadership began discussions about a possible location move in 2015 when the Riverfront Development plan was announced. “No one told us that we had to move, but we saw the writing on the wall. We also saw a growing need in the community and an opportunity to serve people facing a homeless crisis with more dignity,” said Laurie Brumbaugh, Sr. Vice President of The Rescue Mission Foundation.
“The capital campaign is closed, but many legacy naming opportunities are still available at both the 404 E. Washington location and Charis House. The impact of this level of financial support is crucial to our life-changing programs,” said Brumbaugh. “Our community is only as strong as its weakest neighbors. That’s why we are incredibly grateful to our many supporters like The Lutheran Foundation and 1st Source Bank who give back to the community at the highest level.”
The Rescue Mission does not receive government funding and relies on gifts from individuals, corporations, and private foundations to cover its operating costs. The Lutheran Foundation contributed $1.5 million to the construction project in 2019. The $1.5 million Lutheran Foundation grant and a gift from an individual donor totaling $2.1 million are the largest gifts received by The Rescue Mission, to date.
The old facility at 301 W. Superior St. was purchased by the City of Fort Wayne. The building was torn down in May of this year in preparation for the next phase of the Riverfront Development project.
