HASTINGS, Neb. — Crossroads Mission Avenue has been awarded $1.5 million to fund repairs and improvements to its 26,555-square-foot former Sunnyside building in Hastings, a move leaders say will strengthen services for people experiencing homelessness across Central Nebraska.
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The funding will support renovations designed to increase efficiency, safety and long-term sustainability at the facility, which serves men, women and children in need of emergency shelter and supportive care.
The grant will cover a majority of the costs of the $1.8 million project, which includes replacing the HVAC system, windows and exterior doors; upgrading electrical and plumbing systems; and enhancing security systems and handicap accessibility. Each dormitory room will also receive upgrades.
Mission leaders say many of the facility’s core systems are aging and in need of replacement to ensure the building remains safe and functional. Planned upgrades to heating and cooling systems are expected to improve energy efficiency and provide more consistent indoor comfort throughout the year — a critical factor in Nebraska’s extreme seasonal temperatures.
Electrical and plumbing improvements will address long-term maintenance concerns, while enhanced security systems are intended to better protect both guests and staff. Improvements to handicap accessibility will also ensure the building meets modern standards and remains welcoming to individuals with mobility challenges.
Daniel Buller, executive director of Crossroads Mission Avenue, said the organization has deep roots in the Hastings community.
“Crossroads Mission Avenue was established in Hastings 43 years ago and has since spread throughout Central Nebraska,” Buller said. “It was the commitment of the Hastings community that 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.”
Buller added the upgrades will allow the mission to continue serving those in need for years to come.
“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,’” he said. “Our guests will know that they are worth the time, commitment and financial investment the community of Hastings is pouring into their lives.”
In 2025 alone, Crossroads Mission Avenue provided 30,654 nights of safe, sober and clean shelter for 517 men, women and children. That total included 114 elderly guests, 28 veterans and 40 children — highlighting the wide range of individuals who rely on the organization’s services.
Beyond overnight shelter, the mission also connects guests with case management, employment assistance, faith-based support and community resources aimed at helping individuals transition to stable housing. Leaders say modernizing the facility will allow staff to operate more efficiently and focus more resources on direct services rather than emergency repairs.
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The funding is provided through FHLBank Topeka’s 2025 Affordable Housing Program, which supports housing and community development initiatives across the region. The award significantly reduces the financial burden on the nonprofit, allowing local fundraising efforts to be directed toward additional programming and operational needs.
Community leaders say the investment not only strengthens the building itself but reinforces Hastings’ broader commitment to addressing homelessness through coordinated, community-based solutions.
With construction work expected to move forward in phases, Crossroads Mission Avenue officials say the improvements will help ensure the facility remains a safe haven for vulnerable residents for decades to come.
Originally reported by Brandon Shanahan in News Channel Nebraska.
