First Mid Partnering with Habitat for Humanity and Coles County Regional Planning
Mattoon, IL (January 21, 2025) First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) recently helped distribute millions of dollars to those in need throughout the community, allowing people in the region to make vital repairs to their homes along with providing safe, decent, and affordable housing for neighbors in need. First Mid received grant funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC) through their Affordable Housing Program (AHP) to give to the community in partnership with Coles County Habitat for Humanity and Coles County Regional Planning (CCRP). In total, First Mid received just over $4 million to administer between both organizations.
First Mid and CCRP have partnered together since 2017 to facilitate FHLBC housing grants, enhancing communities across central Illinois. Initially focused on residential rehabilitation for owner-occupied homes, the partnership now serves people across Coles, Clark, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Montgomery, Moultrie, and Shelby counties. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $50,000—over triple the previous limit—for critical home updates. These grants, requiring no mortgage or lien, support households at or below 80% low- to moderate-income (LMI), with a 25% homeowner match that can be financed through First Mid or local banks.
“We’ve helped people with disabilities make their homes more accessible and addressed necessities like roofs and foundations to ensure safety,” said Kayla Aaron, Regional Retail Loan Manager at First Mid. “The funds can’t be used for luxury upgrades but for vital improvements like windows and HVAC systems, giving lower-income individuals a chance to make needed repairs they couldn’t otherwise afford.”
CCRP initially chose to partner with First Mid for their strong community involvement, and the partnership continues to expand. “This collaboration has strengthened our overall relationship with FHLBC and opened doors to other impactful grant programs that improve lives across our region,” Aaron added.
FHLBC also awarded an AHP grant to Coles County Habitat for Humanity, who partnered with First Mid for the grant application and received invaluable support from Habitat Illinois and Chicagoland Habitat for grant writing. This significant achievement marks a new chapter in their mission to provide affordable housing to families in need within their community.
Coles County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Melissa McDaniel said her organization will be using the grant money to build homes for local people in need. “We’ve made the commitment to double our impact by building two homes annually for our neighbors,” McDaniel said. “Receiving the grant means we can continue this level of impact and seek more ways we can serve the housing needs of our community. We are so grateful to First Mid and FHLBC for their commitment to providing affordable homeownership to low-income families in rural communities.”
The AHP grants aim to create and preserve affordable housing for low- to moderate-income households, helping ensure everyone in Coles County has a decent place to live. Jason Tucker, Mattoon Community President and Commercial Lender at First Mid, said FHLBC selected First Mid as a trusted banking partner to facilitate the funds. “It’s fulfilling to see the difference these grants make in our community,” Tucker said. Coles County Habitat is excited about the opportunities this funding brings, allowing them to build more homes, provide stability, and bring hope to families in need.
“Beyond the grants, First Mid actively supports local events and initiatives to make a positive impact,” Tucker added. “It’s rewarding to feel part of the greater good by helping strengthen our communities.”
Investments and Insurance Products: Not a Deposit | Not Guaranteed by the Bank or its Affiliates | Not FDIC Insured | Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency | May Go Down in Value.
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Pictured (L to R): Kayla Aaron, Regional Retail Loan Manager at First Mid; Marsha Blair, Board President of Coles County Habitat for Humanity; Melissa McDaniel, Executive Director of Coles County Habitat for Humanity; Jason Tucker, Mattoon Community President and Commercial Lender at First Mid. Group pictured at a Coles County Habitat for Humanity newly constructed home with financing sign in front.
Pictured (L to R): Coles County Regional Planning team-Kevin McReynolds, Grants Compliance Manager; Jackie Chism, Planner; Cliff Shaw, Housing Inspector.
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About First Mid Bancshares, Inc.: First Mid Bancshares, Inc. is the parent company of First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A., First Mid Insurance Group, Inc., and First Mid Wealth Management Company. First Mid is a $7.6 billion community-focused organization that provides financial services including banking, insurance, wealth management, brokerage, and ag services through a network of locations in Illinois, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin, and a loan production office in Indiana. Together, our First Mid team takes great pride in providing solutions and services to our customers and communities and has done so since 1865. More information about the Company is available on our website at www.firstmid.com. Our stock is traded in The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the ticker symbol “FMBH”. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender.
Investments and Insurance Products: Not a Deposit | Not Guaranteed by the Bank or its Affiliates | Not FDIC Insured | Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency | May Go Down in Value.