The Third Place QC Receives $20,000 Grant to Expand Support for People Experiencing Homelessness

The Third Place QC grant from Royal Neighbors of America will provide $20,000 to help the Rock Island-based organisation expand its services for people experiencing homelessness. The funding comes as demand for its support has grown considerably beyond the founders’ original expectations.

When Cloey Miller and Christie Adamson established The Third Place QC, they anticipated welcoming around 40 people each week. Instead, more than 100 people began visiting the organisation every day, creating an urgent need for additional resources and operational capacity.

The grant, awarded through Royal Neighbors’ Nation of Neighbors℠ programme, will help the organisation respond to that demand and strengthen its support for vulnerable members of the Quad Cities community.

The Third Place QC expands support as demand rises

The Third Place QC offers a safe and welcoming environment for families, older adults, transition-age young people and adults experiencing homelessness.

Women account for approximately one-third of the people it serves. Many have experienced domestic violence, exploitation, human trafficking and other forms of trauma, according to the organisation.

Cloey Miller, co-founder of The Third Place QC, said the women who come to the organisation demonstrate considerable determination despite the challenges they face.

“The women we serve face incredibly difficult circumstances, yet every day they continue trying to build a future for themselves,” Miller said. “Their strength and resilience inspire us every day, and this support will help us continue walking alongside them.”

How the $20,000 Nation of Neighbors grant will be used

The funding will help The Third Place QC appoint a new Operations and Resource Coordinator. The position is intended to strengthen the organisation’s ability to connect visitors with essential services, including housing, healthcare, legal advocacy, mental health support and other community resources.

The grant will also contribute towards immediate practical requirements. These include supplies, tents and transportation assistance for people who need help accessing services or meeting basic needs.

For Miller and Adamson, the additional support is particularly important as the organisation adjusts to a level of demand that has significantly exceeded its initial projections during its first year of operation.

Christie Adamson, co-founder of The Third Place QC, described the award as both encouraging and meaningful, particularly because Royal Neighbors of America is based in the local area.

“We’re both completely blown away by receiving this grant and award,” Adamson said. “It is incredibly inspiring to know there are other organizations that understand the work we’re doing and value it in the same way we do. It’s particularly special to us because Royal Neighbors is right here in our backyard.”

Royal Neighbors backs community-led support for women and girls

The $20,000 award is part of the annual Nation of Neighbors℠ programme run by Royal Neighbors of America. The initiative provides grants to community leaders whose work is intended to improve the lives of women and girls.

Amy Jones, senior director of social impact at Royal Neighbors of America, said The Third Place QC’s approach reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting people facing difficult circumstances.

“The Third Place QC is meeting people with dignity, compassion, and support when they need it most, and Cloey and Christie’s work reflects the heart of what Royal Neighbors of America is all about,” Jones said.

Zarifa Brown Reynolds, CEO and President of Royal Neighbors of America, said the organisation was founded on the principle that communities can work together to help people build more secure futures.

“We are proud to stand alongside them and invest in a stronger Quad Cities community,” Brown Reynolds said.

The grant will give The Third Place QC additional capacity to respond to the growing number of people seeking assistance. By supporting both a dedicated resource-coordination role and immediate practical needs, the funding is intended to help the organisation connect more people with services and support.