Hope Harbor celebrates renovation

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — It was hanky time during Hope Harbor’s ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.

Both Ellen Hornady, Hope Harbor president, and Melissa DeLaet, Hope Harbor executive director, became teary-eyed as they recounted the long list of contributors to the $1.2 million project, which included both the building purchase and the subsequent renovation of the homeless shelter.

That list included those who contributed financially, as well as volunteers who provided labor and help moving from the permanent shelter to the temporary shelter while renovation was under way.

Hornady said improvements include a new, more efficient heating and cooling system; a new laundry; a mostly new plumbing system that replaced plumbing that had 40 years of mineral deposits in the pipes; added insulation; new doors and windows that improve energy efficiency; a new fire sprinkler system; handicapped accessibility; and a new roof.

“The kitchen is fully renovated and it’s beautiful,” said Hornady, who noted the kitchen not only helps serve meals, but also provides room for nutrition and cooking classes for residents.

The renovation includes new walk-in refrigerators and freezers, Hornady said. There is a new office entrance that replaces the old entrance hidden behind a fence.

The work includes a walled case manager’s office, which provides more privacy for residents. It also converted most of the former chapel into a classroom area for residents, she said.

Hornady said the work includes new flooring and fresh paint throughout the building. Volunteers did most of the painting.

With a building of 15,000 square feet, “it (painting) was a huge project for us,” she said.

Hornady teared up when she talked about receiving a $380,000 Affordable Housing Program grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, Kan. She noted that was greatly aided by a $100,000 Peter Kiewit challenge grant. However, the final $1.2 million level was reached only with the help of 400 community donors, Hornady said.

She noted DeLaet has spent seven months as executive director and hit the ground running to not only do her regular duties, but also manage the move from permanent homeless shelter to temporary homeless shelter and back again, as well as the renovation.

“She’s my angel,” Hornady said.

DeLaet thanked the 300 people who volunteered, including Hope Harbor residents.

“The biggest volunteer project was the painting,” said DeLaet, who noted that work saved $20,000, with volunteers painting everything except door trims.

As she spoke, DeLaet’s eyes also filled with tears.

When Gov. Dave Heineman stepped up, he wondered whether he should pull out a handkerchief before speaking. On a more serious note, he said, “One of the great things about being governor is that I see Nebraska at its best every single day.

“This community should be very, very proud,” Heineman said. “This facility is about loving, caring and supporting each other.”

Hope Harbor has 46 beds for transitional shelter, used by those who need temporary housing because of injury or illness; domestic violence and abuse; loss of a job; or lack of affordable housing. It has 10 beds for emergency shelter, plus an education program so people can maintain a permanent home after leaving.

« Metro/Region

Share