Women’s Shelter and Support Center (WSSC), in partnership with First Alliance Credit Union, Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Wings Financial Credit Union, Eagle Rock Bank, Think Bank, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), proudly announces a $155,000 award from the Member Impact Fund in support of WSSC’s new emergency shelter facility.
The grant will help expand staffing and programming to support survivors of domestic violence across 10 counties in southeastern Minnesota.
“We are proud to partner with our member financial institutions and local nonprofits to invest in the wellbeing of Minnesotans,” said Kris Williams, President and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. “Everyone deserves access to safe, stable housing, and this project reflects that shared commitment.”
The Member Impact Fund is a matching grant program from FHLB Des Moines that leverages the strength of member financial institutions to invest in community-based initiatives across the Bank’s district.
“This investment not only strengthens our capacity to serve more survivors but reinforces our mission to provide safe shelter and supportive services for survivors and their children,” said Artyce Thomas, Executive Director of WSSC. “We are incredibly grateful to have financial partners who recognize that access to safe housing is not a privilege—it’s a foundation for healing and long-term stability.”
Each year, WSSC supports nearly 3,000 individuals through shelter and advocacy services. The new shelter, currently under construction, will more than double the organization’s housing capacity, providing a safe haven for up to 75 individuals at a time. In 2026, WSSC will proudly mark 50 years of service, continuing its legacy of safety, hope, and healing.
Jenna Taubel, AVP of Marketing at First Alliance Credit Union shared the following remarks about the credit union's contribution to the cooperative grant funding, "At First Alliance, our mission is rooted in creating financial opportunities for everyone in our community, especially those seeking a fresh start. But fresh starts don’t happen in isolation. They happen when organizations come together to help fund critical community needs. Today’s donation reflects that shared commitment."
First Alliance has been a steadfast partner to WSSC, consistently supporting both the financial foundation and day-to-day operations essential to sustaining emergency shelter services through regular donations and dedicated volunteer efforts.