By Melissa Dunson

mdunson@joplinglobe.com

LAMAR, Mo. — Churches, state government, economic developers and even the company that’s putting 735 people out of work are searching for ways to soften the blow of the closing of the O’Sullivan Industries plant in Lamar.

Jasen Jones, executive director of the Workforce Investment Board of Southwest Missouri, said the economic-development community has been preparing for the displacement of the hundreds of workers as O’Sullivan’s future became more and more uncertain.

A preliminary plan is under way that includes applying for national emergency grants to help pay for everything from health-care coverage to rent payments or relocation assistance.

“We had seen some signs over the last few years that made us look into it,” Jones said of the plant closing.

“It didn’t take anyone by surprise.”

Jones said the board will have a series of meetings with O’Sullivan employees to connect them with the agencies and services they need. He said his organization also is working closely with the Workforce Investment Board of Southeast Kansas.

The Southwest Missouri board is putting out calls to all employers in the area who are looking for skilled workers, hoping to connect workers with job openings.

Jones said his goal in the next few months will be to either find jobs or provide training for the displaced O’Sullivan workers.

Mike Gage, president of the Barton County Ministerial Alliance, said the group of local pastors gathered Wednesday for their weekly meeting and discussed how the churches in Lamar and the surrounding area can create a safety net for people in the wake of the plant closing. The alliance doesn’t have a formal plan in place yet, but Gage said the group is continuing to pray about it and talk with people throughout the community.

“We’ll keep working on it,” Gage said. “I know people will look to the churches for help during this time.”

Wes Barbee, community development specialist for the Economic Security Corp., said he had contacts with Lamar residents after O’Sullivan’s announcement Monday, but he said funds are limited. Through a Federal Emergency Management Agency program, the agency has funds to pay up to one month’s rent and one month’s utility bills for workers.

Residents also may apply for rent assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Barbee said there is a waiting period for that program, but once they are qualified, people can get help with their rent payments each month. Regular emergency funds are available, with income-based guidelines, to help with summer cooling costs.

“It will go quick,” Barbee said of the funding. “It doesn’t last long.”