Variance Use at Haven of Portage County

The vision of First Curve was to raise $250,000, divided into three categories: $180,000 toward purchasing land to house abused and trafficked women, $50,000 to provide housing for the homeless, and $20,000 to increase missions outreach. To date, we’ve raised almost $210,000, meeting the missions goal and getting close to the $230,000 for the homeless and trafficked women. Although the original goal was to raise the funds in 18 months and we passed the 2-year mark in January, we will reach the total amount in God’s timing and as he leads people to give.

As we’ve worked toward the First Curve goal and stepped out in faith, God developed the vision for two properties with two separate ministries (homeless & trafficked) into a one-property reality. In working out the possibilities for ministry and balancing them against the needs of both the homeless and trafficked women, we realized that both efforts will be better served by being on one property. The ministry taking place on one property will serve both the homeless and trafficked women and will be called the Haven of Portage County. The Haven of Portage County has been formed as a charitable entity separate from Portage Community Chapel, both for operational purposes and liability reasons.

We are officially the owners of the land and buildings at 2645 SR 59 in Ravenna! Last week, Pastor Mark signed the paperwork and we now have property on which we can start The Haven of Portage ministry to the homeless and trafficked. It's exciting news! Portage Community Chapel and Riverwood Community Chapel both contributed to the $75,000 down payment and the $350,000 remainder is financed for 15 years. Riverwood will continue to partner both financially and in ministry. It's been a long road since we began in 2015 and this purchase is a significant milestone.

What now? Well, we thank God for his faithfulness and the privilege to do His work here in the community. We continue to work on the building renovation plans and get them ready to submit. We continue to pray for God to bring donors and partners on board. And, we continue to move forward to have the facility ready for basic ministry use this fall.

What can YOU do? Continue to pray for God's direction in this project and for your part in it, continue to give, and if you haven't already volunteered at any of our local outreach ministries in place, make sure you participate!