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Crossroads Mission Avenue, Hastings, was awarded $1.5 million through FHLBank Topeka’s 2025 Affordable Housing Program (AHP). This year, $33.9 million in AHP grants were made in partnership with FHLBank Topeka’s member financial institutions in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. The member partnering on this project is Heritage Bank. A total of 31 AHP projects will give 1,764 very low-, low-, and moderate-income households a place to call home.

This project will provide critical repairs and improvements to the former Sunnyside building at 702 W 14^th Street in Hastings. Foundational equipment upgrades are imperative to provide continued supportive care for the homeless and the best stewardship of donor support. Renovations to the 26,555 sq ft facility will increase efficiency as the Mission provides safe shelter for up to 112 men, women, and families each night. In 2025 alone, Hastings Crossroads provided 30,654 nights of safe, sober, clean shelter for 517 men, women, and children, which included 114 elderly guests, 28 Veterans, and 40 children. Upgrades for the facility will also lower operating costs and eliminate excessive maintenance and repair costs, as renovations will include replacement of the HVAC System, windows, and exterior doors, upgrades to the electrical and plumbing systems, and enhancement of the security system and handicap accessibility. Each dormitory room will receive upgrades, which will create an environment for the guests that offers dignity and pride in the place they temporarily call home. Construction is underway, with a majority of the project expected to reach completion within the year.   

“Providing Affordable Housing Program grants through our members each year remains central to our mission,” said Jeff Kuzbel, president and CEO of FHLBank Topeka. “The dedication of our members, combined with the creativity of housing experts, is reflected in the diverse projects receiving support. This year’s AHP initiatives will have a lasting effect in communities across our district.”

Since 1983, Crossroads Mission Avenue has carried out its mission to bring glory to God through the helping of people, by bringing help and hope to the homeless and needy in Central Nebraska through campuses located in Hastings, Kearney, and Grand Island. Continuing that desire to meet the needs in Central Nebraska, construction on a Mission in Lexington is currently underway and is expected to be operational later this spring. Crossroads provides comprehensive care in a nurturing environment, including services such as safe shelter, hot meals, life skills classes, and personalized case management to help their guests gain employment, financial independence, and stable housing. Transitional housing and programming for the homeless provide opportunities for recovery through supportive services, equipping Crossroads guests for successful living after their time at the Mission and leading to homelessness prevention.

Daniel Buller, Executive Director for Crossroads Mission Avenue, says, “Crossroads Mission Avenue was established in Hastings 43 years ago and has since spread throughout Central Nebraska. It was the commitment of the Hastings community that now blesses and has brought an example to all of Central Nebraska, showing what it means to care for the less fortunate. Hastings should be proud of this great accomplishment. The Crossroads team, our Board of Directors, and I are excited to bring major upgrades to the Hastings campus so that we can celebrate many more years to come of serving our friends who are currently in a situation of great need and vulnerability. By addressing major components of our facility, we will be positioned to continue doing our job well and fulfilling our mission of ‘Bringing glory to God through the helping of people’. Our guests will know when they see their current home being improved that they are worth the time, the commitment, and the financial investment that the community of Hastings is pouring into their lives. Hastings and Central Nebraska as a whole will benefit from the positive impact of each life that has been rescued and recovered through the work done at Crossroads Mission Avenue.”   

The cost of the renovation project is projected to total $1,884,615. In addition to the $1.5 million grant funding, Crossroads must commit an additional $384,615 to the project. The Mission has invested $121,650 so far, which leaves $262,965 yet to be funded. Crossroads is asking for the community’s help to raise this remaining balance for the project, where any gift is multiplied 5 times by the grant funding match and is an investment in the community that will pay dividends for generations to come. 

The Member Financial Institution partnering on this project is Heritage Bank. Heritage Bank is a Nebraska-based commercial bank that has been locally owned and operated since 1952. Heritage Bank is committed to supporting local organizations and initiatives that improve the quality of life in our communities. Cam Moyer, Heritage CEO, says, “Heritage Bank is proud to partner with Crossroads and support their mission. Crossroads is a well-run, results-driven organization that plays a critical role in meeting housing and community needs in our region. We’re grateful for the opportunity to participate.”

FHLBank Topeka is one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks that access the capital markets to provide liquidity and funding for its members. With nearly $80 billion in assets and more than $4 billion in capital, FHLBank Topeka is a strong, reliable source of liquidity for its 652 member financial institutions in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.