We are all accustomed to thinking about our responsibility to give a portion of what we have to those in need. We give to the congregation that we attend, to charities, and to other programs which benefit our communities. However, we don’t often think about the ways we can invest our resources to help those in need.

Our economy is fueled by investment. Traditionally, religious institutions have responded to community needs through gifts and donations, but as institutions and as individual members of institutions, we control greater resources than those we are able or willing to give away.

Investing in community development organizations like the Trust Fund multiplies our efforts to foster economic and social justice throughout the state of Michigan.

Joe and Luella Bassett, two longtime humanitarians and Trust Fund investors, are prime examples of how investments can help fuel our work. Last month, the Bassetts announced a $100,000.00 challenge investment, where they will match new individual investments with the Trust Fund dollar-for-dollar. In essence, this means your investment will go twice as far towards supporting our mission.

In an interview with the Community Quarterly, Mr. Bassett explained how he and his wife see their commitment to the Trust Fund as a way of trying to deal with the injustices in the world.

“We see a need to educate people, to engage them—particularly faith groups. That’s supposed to be part of their commitment, to look out for others,” said Joe.

The Bassetts have been strong advocates for economic and social justice issues through the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan for many years. Joe and Luella have both served on the Board of Trustees of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, and the Diocese’s Economic Justice Commission. Joe is also an active member of the Trust Fund’s Board. This May, the Bassetts were honored at the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan’s awards gala, and received the Father James McLaren Award for their many years of service.

“We’ve been living in a ‘me’ generation for a long time,” said Joe. “That’s why we feel a responsibility to make a large commitment in our time, talents, and treasures to (organizations like) the Trust Fund.”

This is the second major investment the Trust Fund has received in less than a year. In September 2006, we bid an unexpected, and very sad, farewell to one of our founding board members, Norm Naimark. Norm was instrumental in forming the Michigan Housing Trust Fund in 1985, and held the distinct honor of serving the greatest number of years of any board member in our organization’s combined history.

After his passing, the Naimark Fund was established to honor Norm’s legacy, with all donations directly supporting the Trust Fund’s affordable housing and economic justice programs, which Norm helped make a reality. His children, led by his daughter Susan Naimark and her husband John Rowse, have made a generous challenge investment of $100,000 to the Naimark Fund. This challenge will match dollar for dollar donations to the fund that bears their father’s name.

The Trust Fund loan programs are making a difference here in Michigan. In our 22 year history, we have lent over $22 million for affordable housing, which has created over 1900 housing units, and lent an additional $2.4 million for economic development, which has created 192 new jobs and served 125 children.

We’re proud of these achievements, but none of this would have been possible without the support of our investors. It is our sincere hope that the major investment challenges from the Bassetts and the Naimark family will inspire more folks to support our mission, and become Trust Fund investors.

Like Joe said, we’ve been living in a me generation for far too long... it’s time to start a we generation for the 21st century.