February 11, 2025
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DeKalb church receives $25K grant for rooftop furnaces

City grant will go to church which also operates overnight warming shelter for those in need

By Kate Santillan
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb receiving a $25,000 City of DeKalb’s Architectural Improvement Program grant

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb receiving a $25,000 City of DeKalb’s Architectural Improvement Program grant (Photo provided by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb )

DeKALB – The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb recently received a $25,000 grant from the City of DeKalb’s Architectural Improvement Program to install two rooftop furnaces.

The check was presented to the church board by DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes, the city’s community services coordinator Jennifer Yochum, and city communications and engagement manager Scott Zak on Jan. 24.

“Throughout the year the church helps support other local non-profits through special collections during its Sunday services,” the Rev. Julia Jones said in a news release. “Our church members also tend to be avid community volunteers. All of these efforts are in keeping with the UUCD mission to offer love and hope for all.”

David Diaz, with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb and a volunteer at the warming center, talks Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at the church, about the center. The warming center, which is open nightly during the winter months, offers free hot meals to all and a warm, safe place for those who need a refuge from the cold.

David Diaz, with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb and a volunteer at the warming center, talks Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at the church, about the center. The warming center, which is open nightly during the winter months, offers free hot meals to all and a warm, safe place for those who need a refuge from the cold. (Mark Busch)

The City of DeKalb Architectural Improvement Program helps DeKalb organizations in the downtown business district pay for building improvements.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of DeKalb currently is operating as an overnight warming center for 2025. The warming center will be open from Jan. 4 through March 11.

The church is accepting donations to help restore its funds. To donate, send via mail to Kathryn Jones, UUCD Office Manager, 158 N. Fourth St., DeKalb, with “capital campaign” in the memo.

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