At this time last year, the Emporia Rescue Mission was in the process of buying the former Amend Girl Scout Center. Not only is the building now in Rescue Mission hands, it has been renovated and — recently — it finally started housing men needing shelter.
Director Lee Alderman made the announcement on KVOE’s Morning Show on Tuesday. The move had been delayed to a large degree by supply chain issues earlier this year. Regardless, Alderman says this is an important step for the Rescue Mission and its clients.
Besides the standard shelter arrangement, men at the mission can take advantage of a new career center with help from former KansasWorks staffer Richard Snook. They can also take financial classes from local attorney Jay VanderVelde.
Alderman says there has been a total remodel at 1236 East 12th over the past year. It can house 20 men and is currently housing 12, although that number may jump with our first bout of winter weather this season expected this upcoming weekend.
Meanwhile, the longtime Rescue Mission home at 1119 Merchant is being vacated and could be gone within the next two to three months. Kwik Shop has been looking to reconfigure its convenience store for several years and could likely bulldoze the old space early next year.
Alderman says work clothing, including coats, boots and gloves, are needed at this time. For more information, call Alderman at 620-794-2977.
