St. Cloud Men’s Support Facility Needs $70,000 For Building Improvements

(KNSI) – The Overcomers International Fellowship Dream Center is raising funds to help improve the exterior of its campus, which in some cases dates back to 1917.

New windows will be installed in two buildings next month thanks to a generous $20,000 donation from an area business. Across the street, the main building, where the office is located, is over a century old. OIF went to the St. Cloud City Council to request Community Development Block Grant funds to replace it. The council approved $50,000, or about half of the project’s cost.

OIF is now starting a campaign asking the public to meet the rest. Pastor Michael Laidlaw says, “We appreciate that city staff, the Zoning Commission and the City Council all recognized the need to keep these fragile buildings from deteriorating further, because the facilities play such a vital role in our ability to serve the community.

He adds, “The St. Cloud community has been supportive of our efforts over the years, and we’re asking for the help of individuals and businesses again. This time, to raise the remaining $70,000 needed to protect a building that’s over 100 years old.”

There are three ways to donate, including by phone at 320-493-1328, in person at the office at 529 16th Avenue North, or online.

The Dream Center opened in 1995 and has now served 14,000 men. It provides shelter and meals, along with mentoring services. OIF assists men with mental illness, alcohol and drug addiction, a criminal history, learning disabilities, and other handicaps.

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