RALEIGH, N.C. – Community supporters gathered in Chapel Hill to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Inter-Faith Council at SECU Community House at its new location on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Representatives from SECU Foundation and State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) joined officials from Inter-Faith Council (IFC) for Social Service, local leaders and volunteers for the Ribbon Cutting and Open House.
McKinley Wooten, Jr., Board Chairman of the member-funded SECU Foundation first announced support for the new Community House in 2014. SECU Foundation’s $1-million grant to IFC assisted with the construction of the transitional housing facility for homeless men in Orange County.
Mary Beth Koza, President of the Board of Directors for Inter-Faith Council for Social Service, remarked, “If it wasn’t for the vision and generosity of State Employees’ Credit Union members, this House would not have happened. This is a grand milestone, creating a facility and program that will empower homeless men to transform their lives – it demonstrates what a great, caring community we live in.”
IFC has an excellent reputation and years of experience running a homeless shelter, drawing upon the resources available within the community, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, UNC Medical School, UNC School of Pharmacy and the Orange County Department of Social Services, among others, SECU reported.
“The Inter-Faith Council has been helping individuals and families struggling with hunger, homelessness and poverty in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community for over 50 years – that’s quite remarkable,” said Wooten. “SECU members understand the significance of this project and the increased need for expanding Community House services. Through the new Inter-Faith Council at SECU Community House, we are honored to assist IFC with their efforts to help homeless men transition back into the community.”