WICHITA, Kan.— Credit Union of America has pledged $50,000 to Second Light, a Wichita shelter and resource hub serving people experiencing homelessness, with the gift set to double to $100,000 through a dollar-for-dollar matching grant from United Way of the Plains.
The donation is the first to take advantage of United Way's recently announced three-year, $1-million challenge grant, which could generate as much as $2 million in total support for Second Light. According to United Way, the initiative is designed to help the organization expand operations, strengthen services and enhance its role in Wichita's coordinated response to homelessness.
"Addressing homelessness requires organizations across our community to work together," Credit Union of America President and CEO Frank Shoffner said in a statement. "When United Way announced the match, CUA had no hesitation. We said yes because Second Light is essential to the Wichita community. We hope our contribution continues to encourage others to join us in supporting Second Light."
Second Light said the funding will support its 130-bed shelter and one-stop resource model, which connects unhoused individuals with housing, health and other support services. United Way President and CEO Pete Najera said CUA's contribution has already helped spur additional community support, while Second Light Board Chair Steve Dixon said the funds will help connect more people with the shelter and services needed to make homelessness "rare, brief, and nonrecurring."