By Corey Ohlenkamp—
Two separate grants help the agency combat homelessness and provide community meals
MUNCIE, Ind.—Indiana Michigan Power, a subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), has announced two grants totaling $25,000 from the American Electric Power Foundation to the Muncie Mission to support its goal to provide critical services to those who are facing homelessness.
A $20,000 grant will support the Mission’s role in enhancing Muncie’s HUB program. A separate grant of $5,000 will support the Mission’s meals program. The AEP Foundation awarded the grants upon the recommendation of I&M.
The Muncie Mission is partnering with A Better Way and the YWCA Central Indiana to maintain the HUB as the Muncie Community’s first response for people facing homelessness.
The Foundation grant will fill a crucial gap in funding to help the Muncie Mission maintain the full catalog of HUB services as various federal and local grants are transitioned to a new team of providers within the community.
“The AEP Foundation’s support couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Frank Baldwin, President and CEO of the Muncie Mission. “Throughout this past year, many of our neighbors struggled and continue to struggle to meet basic needs. Many wonder where they will find shelter from the cold or something to eat.”
The HUB, which the Mission now operates, provides a centralized point of access for a variety of housing and social services. The Mission is able to offer street-level care to guests in need, including showers, laundry, clothing and food assistance. The program also offers a mailing address for those without permanent housing.
“Year-round, and especially during the winter season, everyone knows how critical these services can be for those without a warm place to sleep or access to a meal,” said Rob Keisling, I&M’s External Affairs Manager. “This grant from the AEP Foundation helps ensure this organization, which has been operating for over 90 years, continues its crucial programs for those in need in Muncie and Delaware County.”
The $5,000 grant for the Mission’s meal program was critical support, empowering the Mission to provide over 1,700 meals over this winter.
I&M is focused on helping the Mission achieve its goals of providing a stable place and ensure the people within our communities have the necessities to build a successful life. I&M along with the AEP Foundation has a history of working with the Mission towards those goals. In March, 2020 the AEP Foundation donated $35,000 for the new truck to help with the various needs of the Mission.
Related article below.
AEP Foundation Grant Enables Muncie Mission to Better Serve Community
ABOUT THE AEP FOUNDATION:
The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) and its operating subsidiaries. The Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives involving higher dollar values and multi-year commitments in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s 11-state service area. The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math; by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger; and championing social and racial justice. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, promote healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.
ABOUT INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER:
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,100 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 80% of its energy delivered in 2020 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than22 MW of hydro generation in both states, nearly 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states, and 2,620 MW of coal-fueled generation in Indiana.
ABOUT THE MUNCIE MISSION:
Since 1930 Muncie Mission Ministries has offered compassionate care to men, women, and families in need in Muncie andsurrounding communities. Programs include emergency shelter for homeless men, a residential recovery program for men battling addictions, transitional housing for men and women, free weekday and holiday meals for community residents, and drop-in services for families that include food, clothing, household items, toiletries, and utility assistance. The Mission is supported by generous individuals, churches, businesses, and foundations, and through the proceeds from operations of five Attic Window Thrift Stores and the New Life Recycling Center.
