In our view: On a wing and a prayer

May 15, 2008 10:39 pm

— Dan Anderson, pastor and founder of the homeless outreach ministry City of Refuge, has empty pockets.
In the next five weeks, he hopes to raise $600,000 through a fund-raising campaign to buy the First Baptist Church at Seventh Street and Pearl Avenue.
While we still support Anderson’s mission to help the homeless, we are not optimistic that he will be able to raise the money needed.
His campaign comes at a time when the community is writing checks to those who have been left homeless by a May 10 tornado. Immediate needs usually take first priority.
On Thursday, during a news conference where several leaders of organizations serving the homeless gathered, the overriding sentiment was that the organizations need to unite.
“If we don’t come together and know what each other is doing, we aren’t going to help folks,” said Kathy Edwards of Joplin Crosslines.
The meeting Thursday was a step toward organizing a community plan to address the needs of Joplin’s homeless community.
Anderson may want to reconsider launching his fund-raising plan until a city summit can be held, and he has a solid plan to present to the community.
While he may lose his opportunity to purchase the church, another, more affordable property could be found.
Right now his plans to turn the church into a “center of hope” seem to be based on good intentions but a lack of a plan.
We urge cooperation among those who serve the homeless.