An Update on the Landing at FUMC
Conceived of in 2019, launched in the early spring, and formally opened in the fall of 2021 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Landing at FUMC is a testament to the passion and commitment of our First Church community to faithfully engage in mission and ministry in all seasons. For over two years now, the Landing at FUMC has provided shelter from 7:00 pm until 7:00 am (8:00am on weekends) for houseless college students at PSU. The space formerly occupied by the Goose Hollow Family Shelter was updated and repurposed for the launch of this new ministry.
When the Landing was first conceived of as a part of the “Next Big Thing” campaign in 2019, the original vision was for this shelter to be almost entirely volunteer-run and operate at little to no cost to FUMC. However, in the midst of the pandemic the original plan needed to change. Thanks to generous grants in 2021 from the county and the Columbia District Church Extension Society, the Landing was able to open utilizing a staffing model with limited personnel, allowing us to meet the needs of our neighbors while continuing to keep people safe.
Over the last two years, the Landing Coordinating Team and Church Leadership have affirmed that some level of staffing is necessary in order for the Landing to operate at its best. Unfortunately, the Landing has used up its initial grant funding and other financial gifts, and there is currently no sustainable funding source available. Given these circumstances, both the Landing Coordinating Team and the FUMC Parish Conference have affirmed that the Landing will cease operation on June 23, 2023. Current Landing staff have already been updated with this news and plans are already being made for the transition of our current Landing residents—many of which will move into permanent housing.
While grieving the discontinuance of the Landing, we also recognize that there is much to celebrate and give thanks for from the last several years. Between now and June 23 we will feature a series of “Celebrating the Landing” articles in the newsletter, including stories and statistics about the impact the Landing has made. And, on Sunday, June 18 we will recognize Landing leadership, staff, and volunteers in worship and give thanks to God for the good work we have been able to do through this ministry.
We invite the First Church community to be sure and join us for the upcoming celebrations and to be in prayer for the Landing as it enters into its final weeks. If you have questions about the Landing, feel free to reach out to any of our First Church Lay Leaders or pastors or the Landing Coordinating Team.
When the Landing was first conceived of as a part of the “Next Big Thing” campaign in 2019, the original vision was for this shelter to be almost entirely volunteer-run and operate at little to no cost to FUMC. However, in the midst of the pandemic the original plan needed to change. Thanks to generous grants in 2021 from the county and the Columbia District Church Extension Society, the Landing was able to open utilizing a staffing model with limited personnel, allowing us to meet the needs of our neighbors while continuing to keep people safe.
Over the last two years, the Landing Coordinating Team and Church Leadership have affirmed that some level of staffing is necessary in order for the Landing to operate at its best. Unfortunately, the Landing has used up its initial grant funding and other financial gifts, and there is currently no sustainable funding source available. Given these circumstances, both the Landing Coordinating Team and the FUMC Parish Conference have affirmed that the Landing will cease operation on June 23, 2023. Current Landing staff have already been updated with this news and plans are already being made for the transition of our current Landing residents—many of which will move into permanent housing.
While grieving the discontinuance of the Landing, we also recognize that there is much to celebrate and give thanks for from the last several years. Between now and June 23 we will feature a series of “Celebrating the Landing” articles in the newsletter, including stories and statistics about the impact the Landing has made. And, on Sunday, June 18 we will recognize Landing leadership, staff, and volunteers in worship and give thanks to God for the good work we have been able to do through this ministry.
We invite the First Church community to be sure and join us for the upcoming celebrations and to be in prayer for the Landing as it enters into its final weeks. If you have questions about the Landing, feel free to reach out to any of our First Church Lay Leaders or pastors or the Landing Coordinating Team.
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