RALEIGH, N.C. – For 28 years, Greenville Community Shelter served local residents from an old school cafeteria/auditorium that was less than adequate for its daily needs. With support from campaign donors, volunteers and the member-funded State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation, the shelter, with the new name of Community Crossroads Center, moved into its much larger facility earlier this year, providing emergency shelter to homeless individuals and families. The Center received a $750,000 interest-free construction loan from SECU Foundation to build the shelter that now has the capacity to house 100 individuals and four families.
The Foundation partnered with the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency for the construction loan to help the Center meet the increased need for shelter services. In 2014, Greenville Community Shelter housed over 500 different individuals, providing over 23,000 bed-nights and 45,000 meals. In addition to offering emergency shelter services, the non-profit provides case management services, helps find jobs and permanent housing for residents, and holds on-site education and basic skills classes.
“Our new 15,000 square foot facility would not have been possible without the help of the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and the collaborative efforts of the SECU Foundation,” said Bob Williams, Executive Director of Community Crossroads Center. “The construction financing from SECU members enabled us to build a much needed energy efficient facility that also offers residents the safety of a security system. We are grateful for the Foundation’s invaluable support. Working with State Employees’ Credit Union and the Foundation has been a great experience not only financially, but from the perspective of the top-notch service we received as well!”
SECU staff in Greenville and Winterville recently showed their support and cooperative spirit of helping others by donating a Christmas tree, snacks and gifts for children staying at the Center’s Family House. Jeff Nelson, Vice President of SECU’s Greenville-Medical Park branch commented, “Helping with a project like Community Crossroads Center demonstrates the compassion and commitment of SECU members and employees to make a difference in the lives of those in need.”