Rescue Mission breaks ground on family center site

The community of Great Falls steps up when there is a need. It's a statement that has been shared for years at countless events for a slew of nonprofit organizations.

It was shared again by Gene Thayer, who has led the fundraising campaign for the Great Falls Rescue Mission's Cameron Family Center.

The mission broke ground for the center at 408 2nd Ave S. on Tuesday morning, though $2.5 million is still needed for the three-story facility designed to house homeless families together.

Executive Director Jim Kizer provided the opportunity for all involved with the project — from benefactors and administrators to staff and program participants — to wield a golden shovel during the event.

The mission went public with the announcement of its "A Place for Miracles" capital campaign in early February after receiving a commitment of $1,150,000 from Nancy Cameron. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust pledged $450,000 to the project earlier in June.

The organization has raised 67 percent of the total $7.77 million project cost. Thayer told the crowd they need to reach 80 percent to secure grant funding.

Thayer said the organization decided to move forward with the $5.2 million already secured, feeling an "urgency to get started" based on need.

According to the mission, they receive at least one request each day, on average, from a family needing shelter.

The facility is expected to open 26 private rooms for families in the spring, and will be the first of its kind in northcentral Montana. The center will also be equipped with two dorm-style rooms, counseling offices, laundry facilities, medical exam rooms, classrooms, a childc are facility for residents, a multipurpose room and a chapel.

"It's not about the building ... it's really about changing lives," architect Max Greby said at the ceremony.

"But, it will be a beautiful building," Kizer, added.

The center will also create new volunteer positions, add more than 60 spots to the mission's youth program and expand assistance through the community food program. It's the first new construction project the mission has undertaken.

Construction on the center will ramp up in July.