As the Emporia Rescue Mission prepares for a possible move, the current plan is different at Abundant Harvest even though both facilities have different structural needs.
Lee Alderman directs both facilities and says Abundant Harvest at 1028 Whittier needs major upgrades to continue feeding those in need. He says much of the equipment and infrastructure is original to the facility, which was built in 1945.
In addition, the plumbing is listed as “insufficient.”
Alderman is talking with the Jones Foundation and other potential donors to set up a matching grant, but at this time it could cost upwards of $800,000 to fully renovate the facility.
The Rescue Mission at 1115 Merchant’s main need has been handicapped accessibility. Alderman and the Rescue Mission board have been looking for a new space for a decade and are now targeting the former Amend Girl Scout Center at 1236 East 12th as its new home. Alderman says the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and Emporia City Commission will need to approve a conditional use permit for that property before the move can happen, and the Rescue Mission also needs to raise about $200,000 to finalize the sale.
For more information with either project, call 342-3351. Mail donations to Post Office Box 901 in Emporia.
