Crossroads Mission Avenue's Lexington location, (Courtesy, Crossroads Mission Avenue)
LEXINGTON — Crossroads Mission Avenue, Lexington, was awarded $1,442,800 through FHLBank Topeka’s 2024 Affordable Housing Program (AHP).
This year $31.3 million in AHP grants were made in partnership with FHLBank Topeka’s member financial institutions. The member partnering on this project is Heritage Bank. A total of 26 projects in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma will give 1,699 very low-, low- and moderate-income households a place to call home.
This project will provide 20 units of transitional housing for homeless individuals participating in the Crossroads 4-Phase Recovery program. Crossroads Mission Avenue’s housing model provides a safe, sober, and clean living environment that restores dignity to each individual. Renovations of the building at 907 W 8th Street in Lexington will provide approximately 4,400 square feet for affordable housing units and office space. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025, with a completion date yet to be determined. The facility now houses the Mission Avenue Thrift Store, which will be relocated to continue serving the community while providing operational support for the Mission.
“Providing these grants through our members each year is a cornerstone of our mission,” said Jeff Kuzbel, president and CEO of FHLBank Topeka. “The commitment of FHLBank members and the innovative spirit of community builders across our district are showcased by the diverse projects receiving funding. This year’s AHP projects, including transitional housing at Lexington Crossroads Mission Avenue, will profoundly impact many lives.”
For over 40 years now, Crossroads Mission Avenue has carried out its mission to bring glory to God through the helping of people, by bringing help and hope to the homeless and needy in Central Nebraska through campuses located in Hastings, Kearney, and Grand Island. They provide comprehensive care in a nurturing environment, including services such as safe shelter, hot meals, life skills classes, and personalized case management to help their guests gain employment, financial independence, and stable housing. Transitional housing and programming for the homeless provide opportunities for recovery through supportive services, equipping Crossroads guests for successful living after their time at the Mission and leading to homelessness prevention. A capital campaign began in 2022, raising $320,639.72 to date to bring needed homeless services to the Lexington community. Over 190 Dawson County residents in need have sought homeless services from the Kearney Mission while this process has been underway.
Daniel Buller, Executive Director for Crossroads Mission Avenue, believes that Crossroads is in a unique position to serve the homeless and needy men, women, and families of Dawson County. “The ministry of Crossroads Mission Avenue is blessed to be in a position that allows us to expand our services across underserved areas of Central Nebraska. Our dedication is “bringing glory to God through the helping of people.” We are committed to serving Lexington and Dawson County by offering transitional living services along with Bible-based programming and case management to help stop cycles of poverty in the lives of those we are privileged to serve. God is glorified when we compassionately extend a helping hand to our struggling neighbors and help carry the burdens that lend to the state of homelessness that people are faced with. At Crossroads, we refer to each individual as a guest of the Mission, and we are excited to soon open the doors to our Lexington guests and see the amazing work of God in their lives. Thank you to everyone who is willing to help make this amazing facility, programming, and case management a reality for this area of the great state of Nebraska.”
The Member Financial Institution partnering on this project is Heritage Bank. Heritage Bank is a family-owned and managed community bank with offices in Aurora, Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, Loup City, Neligh, Norfolk, Orleans, Red Cloud, St. Paul, Stromsburg and Wood River NE. CEO Cam Moyer stated, “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Crossroads. They do good work and Daniel Buller is very competent.”
FHLBank Topeka is one of 11 Federal Home loan Banks that accesses the capital markets to provide liquidity and funding for its members. With $79 billion in assets and more than $4 billion in capital, FHLBank Topeka is a strong, reliable source of liquidity for its nearly 670 member financial institutions in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.
About Crossroads Mission Avenue
Crossroads has been serving the homeless in Central Nebraska for over 40 years. They have grown to include campuses in Hastings, Grand Island, and Kearney, which have served 1,400 individuals this year! Each location provides services that include emergency shelter, 4-Phase Recovery program, and personalized case management which helps their guests gain employment, financial independence, and stable housing. Crossroads Mission Avenue’s mission is to bring glory to God through the helping of people.
