FARMINGTON — Mission at the Eastward has received a $30,000 Affordable Housing Challenge Grant from the LEAP Explosion Fund, which United Way of the Tri-Valley Area administers.

Funding will allow for the completion of renovations to the McCleary House, next door to the Fairbanks Union Church.

The McCleary House will provide transitional housing for families, individuals and at-risk youth. In addition, Mission – which has been working with volunteers from all over the country – will be able to offer groups with gifts and skills to share a way to serve those in need by receiving either low-cost or no-cost housing for their service trip – bringing more capacity to the area to fix low-income homes in need of repair.

Mission at the Eastward, a nonprofit organization, was established in 1954. The Affordable Housing Challenge was established in response to the difficulty of finding emergency and long-term housing for those affected by the explosion of the LEAP Inc. building. A committee comprised of community members reviewed proposals.

For more information about United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, visit uwtva.org or call 207-778-5048. Like United Way on Facebook to be kept current on upcoming programs and initiatives.