GAP Ministries, a Tucson-based Christian nonprofit that aims to break generational cycles of poverty and trauma through support programs, hopes to raise $2.6 million in the next two months to fund a two-acre expansion.
GAP, which was founded by Utah transplants Greg and Pam Ayers in 1999, offers vocational training, essential items at free or reduced prices and meals for those in need at their five-acre campus, located at 2025 W. Highway Drive.
Recently, two acres adjacent to GAP's Tucson campus went up for sale, the organization said in a news release.
To secure the property, GAP says they need to raise the $2.6 million in 60 days "before the opportunity could be lost to another buyer or future development."
The property is currently fully leased, which would provide an income source in the form of tenants until the land is needed for future expansion, the release said.
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Among several programs offered by Gap Ministries are workforce training programs in the culinary and auto industries.
"This isn't about buying land simply because it became available,” Greg Ayers said in the release. “We see the people coming through our doors every day. We see our warehouse filling up. We see the partnerships growing and our programs expanding."
Over 300 people visit GAP's 05 Market each day, GAP said. It also provides over 100,000 meals annually and redistributes $8.7 million of food and essential items through its warehouse.
"GAP leadership believes the need for additional space is quickly becoming inevitable," the release said. "The two-acre property is uniquely positioned to become part of GAP’s long-term footprint."
GAP is hosting a public tour of its Tucson campus from 11:30 a.m. through 1 p.m. on Sept. 17, during which Greg Ayers and his son, Jason, GAP's CEO, will provide more information on the prospective expansion. Visitors are asked to RSVP beforehand.
