FAQ

Why Three Rivers, Michigan?

Three Rivers is a small city of about 8,000 people in southwest Michigan with diverse resources and possibilities. It's a community with a lot of needs and we hope *cino can help serve those needs, but it's also a community with a lot to offer--one that works its way into people's hearts whether they live there or visit regularly. The natural environment features beautiful lakes, forests and rivers (three, in fact), while the social environment offers ethnic diversity and a deep sense of history. In addition, the state of Michigan has the second largest variety of agricultural crops in the U.S. and this quality is reflected in a thriving local foods movement. Three Rivers also holds a lot of possibility for institutional partnership, with an art museum, retreat centers, many churches and other non-profit organizations serving people of color, special needs adults, the elderly, low-income families and more. Located at the intersection of M-60 and U.S. 131, the city is easily accessible from Grand Rapids, Chicago, Detroit, Goshen and further afield, which provides potential for inter-college and interdenominational partnerships.

Why now?

Some might say we're crazy to begin the largest project of *cino's existence in the current national and global economic climate. Maybe that's true. However, Imagining Space is a culmination of years of publishing, teaching and dreaming about Christian faith practice that incarnates the gospel story in our everyday lives. In some ways, our decision is strategic; we hope this campaign is the foundation of the organization coming to fruition, financially and otherwise. Property is currently available at reasonable rates and the directors of *cino are preparing to devote themselves to the organization full time as soon as it's financially possible. But mostly, our decision is intuitive; we perceive an intersection of ideas, needs, space, will, creativity and resources and we're seeking to faithfully follow that intuition as long as doors keep opening. The board, staff and friends of *cino are in constant prayer over these possibilities and see this campaign as a way of gauging the energy behind ideas that are very exciting to us.

The Huss School building needs a lot of renovation. How will you afford it?

Imagining Space is just the beginning of our fund raising efforts, as we recognize more will be needed to renovate and craft a space suitable for any of the ideas that are part of the larger vision for this campaign. In addition to seeking ongoing donations, we are exploring grant possibilities, in-kind donations and volunteer labor. We're also considering options for sustainable revenue using the building itself as income space, as well as *cino's ongoing publishing and educational programs.

How will *cino sustain the expenses of owning and maintaining property?

Our long-term goal is to create sustainable programs within the property space that will support expenses without additional capital fund raising. Income-generating ideas include an off-campus program for college students, some permanent housing units, space rental to partner organizations in the community, conferences, workshops and more.

More questions?

Please feel free to offer additional questions, concerns or input via the comment form below. You can also contact us directly if you prefer.