Ability Way Update
It takes nearly five million gallons of fuel to launch the Saturn V rocket into space. All of that fuel is burned just to lift the rocket off the ground and into orbit! Large-scale building projects, like Ability Way, share a similar challenge. They require countless hours of planning, coordination among multiple organizations, and a tremendous amount of effort to reach the point where we can officially break ground. Right now, we are at the stage of the launch where the rocket is being towed onto the launch pad. A few final items remain on our checklist, but soon, a closing date will be set, and we’ll be ready to announce our groundbreaking event. We are working hard to get Ability Way to the point of launch!
A project of this magnitude comes with many moving parts, making it difficult to communicate every detail without some confusion. To provide clarity, I’ve put together a simple Q&A addressing some of the most common questions I’ve received about Ability Way. If you have additional questions, please feel free to email me at matt@graciousgrounds.org, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Now, let’s dive in!
Q&A: Understanding Ability Way
Q: Is it true that Gracious Grounds received a grant from MSHDA to build Ability Way?
A: Gracious Grounds received funding from MSHDA, but not in the form of a grant. Instead, we were awarded an affordable-term mortgage, which means we will repay the funds over time.
Q: If you received $17.5 million from MSHDA, why is a capital campaign still needed?
A: The funding from MSHDA is designated strictly for brick-and-mortar construction. However, it does not cover key amenities that will enhance the quality of life for our residents. Additionally, Ability Way will significantly expand our capacity, allowing us to serve nearly 50% more residents. With this growth comes the need for additional staff and resources, which is why the capital campaign is crucial.
Q: Will MSHDA decide who lives at Ability Way?
A: No! While MSHDA requires that our apartments remain income-based—serving individuals earning 60% or less of the area median income (which is $43,200 for a single person)—Gracious Grounds will continue to serve our target population and stay true to our mission.
Q: When will the Ability Way building be completed?
A: The projected completion date is late summer or early fall of 2026.
We are incredibly excited about the progress of Ability Way, and we appreciate your continued support as we move toward this milestone. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for launch!
