Another development coming to Court Street corridor with Crossover expansion

FLINT, Michigan—After 26 years of service to the community of Flint, Crossover Downtown Outreach Ministry is growing—but this isn’t your typical remodeling job.

Crossover Ministry, located at Grand Traverse and Court streets, already has demolished two houses just to the west of its current facility to make way for a new and improved, energy efficient building right next door. Construction is planned for completion next fall. 

It brings yet another investment to the westside Court Street corridor, which is anchored by the Genesee County Courthouse at Saginaw Street and (as of 2013) Powers Catholic High School at Miller Road. 

The 1-mile stretch also recently has welcomed the renovation and opening of Oak Street Senior Apartments, massive beautification of nearby Chevy Commons, and the addition of (used bookstore, vinyl shop, cafe and hangout) Totem Books. They join neighborhood mainstays including White Horse Tavern and the Michigan School for the Deaf.   

“One of the things that’s really unique about this building program is we’re doing it as a community project,” said Craig Leavitt, Crossover executive director.

Crossover Downtown Outreach Ministry is a nondenominational, faith-based, nonprofit agency that serves Flint and Genesee County by providing food, clothing, household materials, toiletries, and more to those who are in need. It is supported through a unique multi-church cooperative that includes Court Street United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church of Flint, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and Riverside Tabernacle.

“Our building is in some disrepair. We either have to make a big investment in the current facility or we have to do something drastic and build something new,” said Denise Diller, development officer for Crossover. “With that, we have a nice, clean, safe, positive environment.”

The facility will help Crossover be able to better serve the ever-changing needs of the community, she said. 

The expansion is being powered through campaigns to raise donations of capital, materials, and hands:

• The capital campaign is for private donors who want to provide a significant monetary donation. 
• The material campaign allows people to donate something a little more unique. People will have the opportunity to make their mark by buying material for the new building. “You can participate at whatever level. You can go right in and push a button and buy a door knob, a light switch,” Leavitt said.
• Finally, is the human campaign. Crossover is staying true to their mission of providing the community of Flint with opportunities by involving them in this expansion. “The human campaign is we’re asking our brothers and sisters in labor and in community to donate their time to reduce the labor cost.” Leavitt said.

Crossover will also be working with Flint and Genesee Job Corps to employ pre-apprentice students to give them on the job experience and professional training. 

For more information, visit www.crossoverministryflint.org.