Grace Church Gets $500K Grant for Open Arms Shelter Project

The Grace Community Church Center received a $507,727 grant to help fund its rehabilitation of Open Arms men’s shelter in White Plains from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, officials announced Wednesday.

Grace Community Church plans to use the funding to rehabilitate the shelter, which is located inside a two-story building on 86 E. Post Road. The grant is part of a pool of $35.5 million in funds from the state Affordable Housing Program that were doled out by the Federal Home Loan Bank during the 2013 grant cycle.

In 2012, the church center received a $5.77 million grant from the Homeless Housing Assistance Program to help with the purchase and reconfiguration of the Open Arms shelter. The center plans to add a third floor to the shelter, currently provides 38 transitional shelter beds and 14 emergency shelter beds to homeless single men in three large congregate dorms.

“For years, Open Arms Men’s Shelter has provided critical services to those in need,” U.S Rep. Nita Lowey, D-Harrison, said in a statement.  “In partnership with Grace Community Church and through the participation of many local religious organizations, it has long stood as an example of the spirit of service and compassion in the Lower Hudson Valley.  I am so pleased that with this generous investment, the shelter can enhance its facilities and continue serving our community.”

During the renovations, which are expected to take 1 to 2 years to complete, the shelter will be temporarily relocated to the Grace Episcopal Church Parish Hall in White Plains.