History

In 1984, citizens of Manhattan responded to a community wide survey overwhelmingly proclaiming that a homeless shelter should be at the top of the community’s priority list.  Following the survey, more than 20 Manhattan residents formed a committee to accomplish this task.  On January 8, 1985, with the help of the First Presbyterian Church, Manhattan Emergency Shelter, Inc. opened it's doors for the first time.  As the number of guests served each year increased, the development of a transitional living program to bridge the gap between independent living and permanent housing became apparent.  In 1993, the Sunflower House was purchased at 901 Leavenworth and a transitional living program was established.  After 10 years of progress, it was clear that transitional living was a great addition to the community and the need for expansion was evident.  In July of 2003 the Fremont House, leased from the Manhattan Mennonite Church for $400 a month, was added to the transitional living program creating an environment more suited to house women and families.  In 2006, the Fremont House was sold to allow the Mennonite Church to grow and MESI began the task of raising funds to complete construction of a new facility.  In 2008, MESI sold the Sunflower House and returned 831 Leavenworth to the First Presbyterian Church and moved into a new 47-bed facility at the corner of 4th and Yuma.  In 2009, MESI expanded to include permanent supportive housing programs in place of the transitional living program, and a homelessness prevention program to provide rental assistance.