Field notes, perspectives, stories, news & announcements
May 8, 2024
Q: In a few sentences, describe this fundraiser and the project behind it. How would you summarize your vision?
Shanna: We are in the middle of a $50k by end-of-May fundraising campaign for the summer launch of a two-year pilot program in our city designed to walk with people from renting to home ownership.
Fort Morgan is a rural town of 12,000 that is majority non-white. 19% of the population is foreign-born, and over 27 languages are spoken. Segregation is most visible in housing. We want our neighbors to have the same opportunities for generational stability that we do.
We want our city to flourish as we move from a divided and segregated community toward an integrated one that honors our diversity.
Our vision is rooted in a desire to love our neighbors as ourselves and to seek the peace of our city as we join Christ's work of reconciling all things.
Q: What brought you to this point in the journey? Can you briefly share the story of this project and its development?
Shanna: In 2016, I was part of a community group that operated in four languages. As we did a community assessment, the resettled refugee community identified stable housing as the primary need.
In the next couple of years, as I was in seminary, I explored integral mission and hospitality in communal cultures. I often chose topics of study on housing, city planning, and the biblical significance of place for those who have experienced displacement.
It has been a long journey to this launch, and I am humbled by the dedication of so many along the way who have contributed skills, time, and prayerful discernment.
Resettled refugees make their way to Fort Morgan for employment at major agriculture employers. 95% of the Black/African American community, primarily from East Africa, rent, and the average stay in a rental unit is between five and ten years.
People who have experienced forced displacement have spent years focused on survival. Long-term planning is often not a priority in the face of immediate needs and labor-intensive work. This continues to be true for people who have family in their home countries who depend on their financial assistance for daily needs.
Q: What is the end goal of the fundraiser, and how can people help you take the next steps to achieve it?
Shanna: Thanks to the generous support of donors, we have already raised $36k of the $50k needed to launch our pilot program. We are also eagerly awaiting responses on significant grant proposals that, if awarded, will enable us to launch the full program later this summer.
Your donations and support in spreading the word can help us bridge the remaining gap!
Pray with us for God's provision as we pursue His Kingdom in Fort Morgan.
DONATE today!
Or CLICK HERE to learn more!
- Shanna Doughty with Rachael Lofgren
Back to the Blog