Kevin Foster and I met Dr. Bruce Metcalf and Tim Adam at a rescue mission conference in Dallas in 2017. Bruce and Tim shared the story of the recent loss of the Canal Street facility. They knew that Capital for Compassion helped missions with funding for new projects and asked how we could help. Kevin and I thought that helping a homeless mission find a new home was a huge challenge and would likely take many years. Thankfully, we only needed to be faithful to the opportunities that God put in front of us.
Capital for Compassion is a West Michigan based group specializing in community redevelopment and affordable housing. Many of the projects are for similar rescue missions across the country. Capital for Compassion was founded in 2004 with the aim that each of America’s communities become a more excellent place to live for all its residents, including the marginalized and hopeless. Since then the group has consulted on over 300 projects, obtaining over $275 million in funding for organizations that provide housing and recovery services for the homeless.
“Thanks to 16 years of dedication by our consulting team and nonprofit partners, Capital for Compassion recently surpassed $1 billion in property development. This work represents over 21,000 persons suffering from homelessness and often substance abuse, who now have access to the necessary resources to become self-sufficient and productive members of their communities,” said Founder and Managing Partner Kevin Foster. Some of these projects were in the Central Valley including Fresno, Turlock, and Stockton.
Steve Dykstra and I visited Merced in October last year. As we met with various leaders it was clear that the community was behind the Village of Hope. We agreed to seek funding from our financing partners. As we secured tax credits from a group in Fresno, and the purchase of the tax credits by Wells Fargo, we still wondered how the project could be completed. But at each turn, from acquiring the five acres site, to zoning approval, to funding sources, it has been clear that we are on a journey of faith and that God is preparing the way. We know there is much work yet to be done, including raising more capital, and we are privileged to be serving your team and community.
By John McGeehan
